By Amy Leong
It stands before us aching those closest to our hearts. It gathers strength and pride in those who belong to it. And even though it may slowly bring us down, the royalty of the color purple is a reminder of our strength, bringing loved ones, friends, families, and pets closer than ever before – as one entity with one big family, one heart, and one mindset to fight back against it.
On June 25-26, American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life will take place at the Santa Anita Race Track. An entire 24 hours, from 11:00 am to 11:00am, the event will bring together hundreds of families, friends, and survivors to raise awareness of cancer’s impact and the importance to find the cure.
With over 45 teams composed of about 5-20, and even 49 members, Relay for Life has grown in numbers, more to spread the American Cancer Society’s message: Celebrate, Remember, Fight Back. In hopes to reach the fundraising goal of $100,000, each team has put together numerous fundraisers for the event, including raffling off an iPad 2, gift baskets, cotton candy, jamba juice, and more. 100% of the proceeds will be going to the American Cancer Society and that money has continued to fund new cures, protection, and medicine.
As for entertainment, there is a smorgasbord of activities for those of all ages. In the early morning, the event will kick off with Jann Schneider’s Memorial Quintet and a heartwarming story from 17-year old cancer survivor, Monique Salazar. Children will also be able to participate in a watermelon eating contest, limbo, hula hoop contest, and more. However, this year also brings another exciting event, the first ever Miss Relay Contest. Men of any age will be dressed in a Hawaiian costume and catwalk across the track, while people on the sidelines will put money toward their favorite contestant.
The evening will conclude with a luminaria ceremony, slideshow, and movie. Lighting the candles at the luminaria ceremony is a reminder of those touched by cancer. Paper bags are filled with candles that light up the entire edge of the track, brightening the darkness of the evening with hope. Each bag represents someone who was affected by cancer, to remember loved ones while fighting back in honor.
Together, when each participant takes a part in walking the track, it will be a reminder that cancer never sleeps, and that we must work as a team to fight against it. Together, we will celebrate the cures we found, remember our loved ones, and fight back with everything we have for an unforgettable weekend of a lifetime.