July 5, 2007

Impressive first step

American Cancer Society Relay For Life in Almaden raises over $169,000 at inaugural event

By Kimberlie Joyner
Special to the Times

Singer and relay participant Alyssa Rose performs a song at the first annual American Cancer Society's Relay for Life of Almaden at Leland High School on June 30th.

Last weekend’s First annual American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Almaden raised an impressive $169,000, and still counting, for cancer research and patient services. Thirty-seven teams and 600 participants were left exhausted after walking an estimated 5,000 combined miles at Leland High School’s Pat Tillman Stadium.

The event started at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 30 with 76 cancer survivors leading off the event with the traditional Survivor's Lap. Live bands entertained walkers, supporters and volunteers throughout the day. And local restaurants made sure walkers had the energy to walk for 24 hours.

“Outback Steakhouse, Pannera Bread, Di Ciccos , Pizza My Heart and Boston Market really came through for us,” said Food Chair Laurie Madsen. “Their food donations fueled and inspired our walkers.”

After sunset, more than 500 luminaria bearing the names of cancer victims and survivors illuminated and lined the track during the traditional “Ceremony of Hope.”

Teams camped out on the field, encouraging each other and holding fund raisers. Throughout the night they took turns walking, with at least one member from each team on the track at all times, because cancer never sleeps. The event ended at 10 a.m. Sunday, July 1 with an emotional closing ceremony.

“Almaden residents really showed their spirit this weekend,” said event Chair Patti Gahagan. “The American Cancer Society’s goal for a new relay is $25,000. Thanks to the support from the community, we raised much more!”

The American Cancer Society Relay for Life is an overnight event that mobilizes communities throughout the country to celebrate survivors, remember loved ones and raise money for the fight against cancer. Information about in Relay For Life of Almaden is available at www.acsevents.org/relay/ca/Almaden or call (408) 927-8758.

Hundreds of participates of the first annual American Cancer Society's Relay for Life of Almaden get ready to start their laps at Leland High School on June 30th. Photos by Dan Miranda	Volunteers Bill Everett and Gabriela Mancilla prepare the luminarias for the nights ceremony at the first annual American Cancer Society's Relay for Life of Almaden at Leland High School on June 30th.
Cancer survivors walk the first lap to starts the first annual American Cancer Society's Relay for Life of Almaden at Leland High School on June 30th.	Luminaria's that spell out "HOPE" are lit at the Luminaria ceremony at the first annual American Cancer Society's Relay for Life of Almaden at Leland High School on June 30th.