By Mary O’KEEFE

Sixteen teams gathered for Relay for Life of the Foothills this past weekend and walked the track at Clark Magnet High School for 24 hours despite the high temperatures. The opening ceremony began with everyone welcomed by Relay chair Molly Shelton.

“[Relay] has made an impact on my life,” she told participants at the opening ceremony.

Shelton had attended the event in the past when she was in high school and now that she graduated from college she came back to help the event.

She spoke about how Relay brings the community together in a positive way.

“There is always something working to bring the dark clouds in and stomp out peace. The constant negativity is draining and can take a toll on our societal psyche; however, amid all the negativity that is thrown at us, you are here smiling, standing with our neighbors, friends, loved ones and strangers … smiling,” Shelton said. “[You’re] ready to start walking in this 77 degree weather at 9 a.m., still smiling. We are lucky to live in an area where our neighbors and friends are willing to come together to change the world.”

She went on to explain that raising funds and awareness to fight cancer is changing the world.

“With each lap we are coming closer to a cure,” she said.

The opening speaker was Diana Tyson, a cancer survivor.

“Good morning … every morning is a great one,” she said. “I want to thank you all for being part of this great community and for the fundraising you are doing for critical cancer research. I know we all pray for an end to this dreadful life-sucking disease.”

Another speaker was Kristy Tyler, a young woman who has been battling ovarian cancer. She praised her husband for never leaving her side, and her parents who supported her and ran her office while she was getting treatment.

“Being diagnosed with cancer affects everybody. It is not just you; it is your whole entire family. It is your kids … it is everyone. But I have won. I have beat ovarian cancer,” she said to a cheering audience.

She added she is now considered NED, which means No Evidence of Disease, and in remission.

Robert Miller, a teacher at Crescenta Valley High School, spoke just before the beginning of the lumanaria ceremony. He spoke about his teacher’s assistant, “Miss Rita.”

“I wish I could say it was a joy to be up here tonight, but the truth is … the reason for all of us being here is the big ‘C’ word. The reason I was asked to be here is because one of my best friends passed away from cancer this year,” Miller said.

He met Miss Rita 12 years ago when he started teaching at Crescenta Valley High School. He spoke of how, through her grace and patience, she made his job easier, and was always supportive not only of him but of all the students.

Miller added that one of his colleagues at CVHS had a brother who had been diagnosed with cancer. He required stem cell therapy that his insurance would not cover; however, with the help of donations like those raised at the Relay walk, he was able to get the treatment he needed.

The lumanaria ceremony included two performers as well. Jacob Magna, a CVHS graduate and professional dancer, performed as did Tujunga poet laureate Pam Shea. The luminaria ceremony features bags that are displayed on the perimeter of the field and are lit from within by votive candles. It is a moving display.

Though it was an exhausting 24 hours for Shelton, she was pleased with the result.

“I think this year went great. I was really happy with the turnout and we reached our $50,000 goal,” Shelton said. “This gave us a good foundation to build on for next year.”

  Mary Okeefe