As the Sixth Annual American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life
approaches, organizers and the community are gearing up to make
2004 the most successful year yet.
As the Sixth Annual American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life approaches, organizers and the community are gearing up to make 2004 the most successful year yet.
Relay team captains, committee members and interested participants gathered Wednesday night at Paine’s Restaurant in Hollister, to kick off the official relay fundraising season and pump up the energy of all involved. The 24-hour walk-a-thon in August is a fund-raiser for the American Cancer Society and its drive to find a cure.
“This is the biggest kick off for the relay we have ever had. I think it’s great because we often hear people say ‘well, I didn’t hear about it,’ and having this was a great place for them to learn about relay,” Chairwoman Jeana Arnold said. “Everyone has their own reasons as to why they participate in Relay, but it’s really neat to see the whole community come together to fight.”
Last year, the two-day event raised about $164,000, topping its goal of $150,000. Because of the success, Arnold said this year’s committee goals are to sign up 65 teams, raise $175,000 and celebrate the lives of 150 cancer survivors. Last year, 55 teams were involved.
“We’ve been growing every year and I really think this is going to be our biggest,” she said.
Participants at Wednesday night’s mixer met the 20 new committee members and watched a short video about Relay for those who are new to the event. During the night, Sheron Johnson was scheduled to speak to the group about her involvement with the Relay for Life and hoped to inspire others to join the fight.
“Every lap you walk, every dollar you earn means one more bit of chance for people with cancer to find a cure,” she said in an interview Wednesday.
Johnson’s grandson, Christopher Faraone, passed away in 2002 because of a rare children’s cancer that invaded his brain. During the second year of the relay, 3-year-old Faraone was too ill to walk, but he completed the first lap of the relay in a wagon. Johnson said by telling her story she hopes to motivate people to join in the fight against cancer and to support the relay.
“That’s why I’m here,” she said. “The main thing we’re all working toward is finding a cure. When I was told the cure for the type of cancer my grandson had is still about 10 years out, I wanted to do something. I wanted to help close that gap for everyone who is dealing with cancer.”
Since his death, a spirit award is given in Faraone’s memory every year to the team that shares the most spirit and enthusiasm at the relay.
In addition to last night’s mixer, the committee entered a float in the “Lights on Parade” last winter and will promote the event with another one in the Saddlehorse Parade this summer. The relay will be held at Andy Hardin Field from Friday, Aug. 6 at 5 p.m., until Saturday, Aug. 7 at 5 p.m.
Anyone interested in getting involved in this year’s relay can call 831-635-9747, or visit www.cancer.org.
