Arcadia Relay for Life Raises Over $100,000 for Cancer Research

The Relay for Life survivor medals were worn by those who have beat cancer and those currently battling the disease.

Arcadia firefighters try to guess the number of marbles in a jar as part of one of the high school team's fundraising efforts. The firefighters at Relay for Life were honoring Captain Andy Troncale and FF Gerry Martin, both of whom are battling cancer.

By Amy Leong

Whether it is a close friend, relative, or family member, we are all affected by cancer. In fact, one of three individuals are affected by cancer every day. For 25 years, Relay for Life of Arcadia has been giving local citizens of all ages the chance to raise money to be used in the search for a cure. On June 26-27, relatives, friends, and family members gathered at the Santa Anita Race Track from 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. to fight back against cancer and relay in support of their loved ones.
Hosted by the American Cancer Society, communities across the globe participated in this life-changing event to help individuals get the support they need and develop ways to help prevent the disease. Because cancer never sleeps, each team was required to have at least one representative on the track for the entire twenty-four hours.
LeAnn Solis, Arcadia’s Relay for Life Event Co-Chair and Team Recruitment Chair said, “This year’s event was a HUGE success with approximately 20 new teams and over $103,000 raised for the fight against cancer. I am particularly proud of the event chair, Carter Spruill, who managed to bring this event to new heights. He is an amazing man and he plans on doing bigger and better things with the Arcadia Relay for Life next year. We hope to see more new faces join us next year as we continue to fight back again cancer!
After the opening ceremonies, Relay for Life of Arcadia took off with the survivor’s lap, a first lap around the track. The survivor’s lap then followed through with a caregiver’s lap, where close family, friends, and medical personnel could join in the effort. Soon after they finished that lap, participants were invited to join their team in a parade around the track.
Activities Co-Chair Melody Wong said, “Relay inspires me by showing me that hope still exists and despite all the tragedies and burdens of the world, it’s a miracle that people are willing to donate their time and money for finding a cure which seems almost like an impossible task. I admire the passion some people have for this event because I, in my miniscule way, have a partial understanding of what ACS stands for and what ACS can do for cancer patients.”
When that ceremony was over, several teams offered games and activities at their tents for the participants to enjoy, while other teams sold various snacks on the pathway of the race track. One group named Team Hope went the extra mile by hosting a series of activities during the event including a watermelon eating contest, balloon toss, obstacle course, musical chairs, and water balloon fight. There were also live singers, dancers, and a karate performance to keep participants engaged throughout the day.
The conclusion of the event closed with a Luminaria ceremony in which each participant had their own candle to light, honoring the memory of those touched by cancer. Hundreds of decorated paper bags were also lined up around the track and campsite areas, each representing an individual who lost their loved ones from cancer and those who are survivors. But the light inside the bag still drives on, representing the hope with which we all continue to fight.
With 49 teams participating in the event and over 751 total participants, Arcadia’s Relay for Life was able to raise thousands of dollars this year. Event Chairman Carter Spruill said, “We shattered our goal of $80,000.00 by raising over $103,800.00 and while I am very proud to have been the event chairman this year, what made me the most proud was the contributions of Arcadia School District.” All the proceeds from the event will go towards completing the American Cancer Society’s ultimate goal: a world with less cancer and more birthdays. By distributing some of the funds to their telephone counseling service, the American Cancer Society’s “Quitline” program doubles a person’s chances of quitting tobacco, a major cause of many types of preventable cancer. There are also on-line resources available to help people maintain a healthy lifestyle and programs to assist cancer patients with their treatments and lodging.
In the hope that one day cancer will be eliminated, Relay for Life participants’ motivation for such a great cause will go far in the future, becoming even more inspirational to those who lost loved ones, celebrate those who survived cancer, and most of all fight back against the disease.

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