Time to lace up your walking shoes for the annual Relay for Life of the Foothills taking place May 5 & May 6.

By Charly SHELTON

Funding for cancer research is always needed and there are many ways of getting involved in the fight to raise these much-needed funds. Marathons, door-to-door donation gathering and mountain climbing are just a few of the classic examples. But one particular fundraising strategy has taken root in the local community over the last several years and has been so successful that the Crescenta Valley has become an anchor for surrounding cities. Relay for Life is coming next weekend and its importance cannot be overstated.

“We all know someone who has been touched by cancer, whether currently battling or in remission, who has lost the fight or is a caregiver for a loved one – they’re somewhere on this journey,” said Molly Shelton, lead event coordinator for Relay for Life of the Foothills. “I joined Relay when I was in seventh grade because a group of friends invited me. When my best friend’s mother was diagnosed with breast cancer it took on a whole new role in my life. I continued with Relay through my senior year of college and when I moved back to join this area’s Relay again, I realized that we needed more community support than ever. I am so happy to be able to work with a team trying to bring a little life back to the event that had changed my life for the better.”

Relay for Life is a 24-hour walk-a-thon to raise money for the American Cancer Society, one lap at a time. The local Relay for Life of the Foothills has been a community staple event for over 15 years and, with some recent changes from ACS, the Foothills location has become an anchor event, which brings some of the smaller Relays under its banner to encourage larger community cohesion. The Foothills event includes teams from La Crescenta, Montrose, La Cañada, Glendale, Sunland and Tujunga who will walk the track of Clark Magnet High for 24 hours from 9 a.m. Saturday, May 5 to 9 a.m. Sunday, May 6. In addition to walking, there will be live entertainment, encouraging stories and a moving luminaria event beginning at 9 p.m. on Saturday night.

“It is no test of athleticism, but rather a testament to the fact that cancer never sleeps, so we as a community will not sleep until there is a cure,” Shelton said. “Whether you have always done Relay or have never set foot on the track, come out and join us on May 5 to see the fundraiser that is changing the lives of millions. There is still time to make a team and fundraise for the event. We are a community-run event with all of the small town feel you could hope for. If you are new to this area and looking for a good way to join in, Relay is a great place to start.”

On Friday, participants can come onto the field in the late afternoon to set up tents, sleeping bags and any other creature comforts. Food will be provided free for any individual who raises at least $100 for the Relay, and available for purchase for anyone else.

To join the event or for more information, email Molly Shelton at relayofthefoothills@gmail.com.

Clark Magnet High School is located at 4747 New York Ave. in La Crescenta.

  Charly Shelton