By Khalida Sarwari
One unique aspect of Relay for Life is that it draws people from all walks of life, because who can say they haven’t been touched by cancer in one way or another? The event offers a once-a-year opportunity for survivors, caregivers and their families to come together not only to memorialize loved ones and contribute to ending the disease, but to celebrate life.
Saratoga folks will have a chance to do that at the American Cancer Society’s ninth annual Relay for Life in Saratoga on July 19-20 at the Saint Andrew’s Field.
Members of about 20 teams will gather on the field for a 24-hour event that includes activities, food, live music, speakers, onsite fundraisers and entertainment, with lots of walking in between. For each of the 24 hours, one person from each team walks around the track.
But, Relay is not a race or athletic event, said Debbie Manser, the 2014 event chairwoman, who has seen six members of her own family battle the disease, two of whom–a grandfather and uncle–lost those battles.
“Relay is a community event of celebration, remembrance and hope,” Manser said. “We celebrate our community’s cancer survivors and their caregivers, remember those we have lost to cancer and provide hope for a cure through our fundraising efforts for research and services.”
Relay for Life begins at 10 a.m. on July 19 and ends 10 a.m. the following day. During that time, participants organize various events to celebrate and honor cancer survivors, such as a survivor walk, a brunch for survivors and a luminaria ceremony at sunset where white candles will replace the facility lights and bags bearing the names of all those affected by cancer will be illuminated.
Throughout the day, teams will sell $1 raffle tickets, hold silent auctions and sell various items, such as handmade teddy bears. Auction prizes include a YMCA family membership, a fender guitar and five free lessons from Guitar Showcase, and various gift baskets.
Some teams will offer games. A fire truck from the Santa Clara County Fire Department will be available on site to keep children entertained.
As part of the festivities, a zumba class will be offered, and face painting will be available.
There will be performances by the Saratoga Sister City Taiko drummers, live bands, Bollywood dancers and magician Kim Silverman. Speeches will be given by Mayor Emily Lo, Mountain View resident Natalie McQueen, who will speak about her experience as a survivor, and Salinas resident Nicole Zardo, who also will talk about her battle with cancer.
During an open mic segment, people are encouraged to come up on stage and talk about who they are participating for.
Registered survivors and caregivers will be treated to a free luncheon. For everybody else, the fee is a $5 donation. Pizza will also be sold for $1 a slice.
On Sunday morning, the event is wrapped up with an announcement of the money raised up to that point and a recognition of the participating teams.
Last year’s Relay had 152 participants, 35 survivors and 21 teams. The event raised about $57,290.
Thus far this year, Saratoga has 21 teams signed up and has raised more than $21,000. All proceeds from the event will go toward funding cancer research, education and patient support services.
There is no fee to attend the event.
Those interested in joining a team are able to do so up until the day of the event. To join, either as a participant or a survivor, visit relayforlife.org/saratogaca. Survivors receive a purple T-shirt even up until the morning of the event.
