PONTIAC - The Gettinger family hates Gary. Gary has caused them a lot of pain and suffering over the past year, and they are going to do everything in their power to beat him. In fact, residents of Dwight, where the Gettingers live, have come out and shown the family an overwhelming amount of support for their fight.

Gary isn't actually a person; he is a malignant brain tumor.

Taylor Gettinger, 16, was diagnosed with it in May 2007. Her mother, Kathleen Gettinger, said the teen thought the term "brain tumor" was too depressing, so she asked her mother to give it a name.

"I just thought of a name off of the top of my head, and Gary was the name," Kathleen Gettinger said. "We always say that we are going to beat Gary, and that's kind of her way of making light of the situation."

One way the family is going after Gary is participating in the 2008 Livingston County Relay for Life, a 24-hour fundraiser for cancer prevention and research, this weekend at Pontiac Township High School.

For this year's relay, Team Taylor is the top fundraiser, collecting about $19,000. That breaks two previous team goals of $10,000 and $15,000.

Kathleen Gettinger said the money they raised will be specifically designated for pediatric brain tumor research.

"It just makes it that much worthwhile," Kathleen Gettinger said.

The Gettingers make weekly visits to Chicago for chemotherapy treatments, and Kathleen Gettinger said that the therapy has kept the tumor stable.

"She lives a totally normal life for a 16-year-old, and she is an incredible blessing," Kathleen Gettinger said. "She is a very strong girl."

The family took part in the 2007 Livingston County Relay for Life, and Kathleen Gettinger said the camaraderie, hope and positive feelings that it inspired were therapeutic. They helped the family focus on doing something positive.

This year, 50 teams hope to raise $150,000, which was the amount raised last year, said Carole Cashmer, committee planner for the relay, which is its 12th year.

"It is one of the most touching, eye opening and awesome 24 hours that you can spend," Cashmer said. "Just being there and seeing everyone that has been touched by this disease, it is unbelievable."

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Relay for Life

What: 2008 Livingston County Relay for Life

When: Noon Friday, 9 a.m. Saturday

Where: Pontiac Township High School

Events: Survivor dinner, 4:30 p.m.; opening ceremony, 5:30 p.m.; luminaria celebration, 9 p.m.; Knights of Columbus pancake and sausage breakfast, 7 a.m.; and closing ceremony, 9 a.m.