Teams are needed to raise awareness of the fight against cancer at the annual Relay for Life of the Foothills.

By Julie BUTCHER

“With each lap we are coming closer to a cure.” That’s how event chair Molly Shelton kicked off last year’s Relay for Life of the Foothills event.

This year the Relay For Life of the Foothills will host its 17th annual event for 24 hours, rain or shine, starting on Saturday morning, April 6 at 9 a.m. at Clark Magnet High School at 4747 New York Ave. in La Crescenta and ending the following morning at 9 a.m. on Sunday, April 7.

Relay for Life is the signature fundraising event for the American Cancer Society and the local event is one of more than 5,000 Relays held in 12 countries each year. Organizers of Relay For Life of the Foothills are encouraging the community to create teams and help support cancer research and awareness. The teams will pitch their booths and tents on the Clark Magnet field and, for 24 hours, everyone’s focus will be on raising cancer awareness. Those who have been diagnosed and those who are survivors, caregivers and loving family members, and those who have lost those they loved to the Big “C” will all walk the field together.

What is now the largest fundraising program in the world began with one person. From the Relay for Life’s history: “One person can make a difference. In May 1985, Dr. Gordon ‘Gordy’ Klatt walked and ran for 24 hours around a track in Tacoma, Washington, raising money to help the American Cancer Society with the nation’s biggest health concern: cancer.

“Gordy spent a grueling 24 hours circling the track at the University of Puget Sound. Friends, family and patients watched and supported him as he walked and ran more than 83.6 miles and raised $27,000 through pledges to help save lives from cancer. As he circled the track, he thought of how he could get others to take part. He envisioned having teams participate in a 24-hour fundraising event. The next year, 19 teams were part of the first Relay for Life event at the historical Stadium Bowl and raised $33,000.”

Relay for Life of the Foothills hopes to top the 16 teams that participated last year and is keeping the 24-hour format for the event “because cancer never sleeps and neither do we,” said Molly Shelton, Relay for Life of the Foothills chair.

“Our team count is low this year and we are asking for community help in fundraising and starting teams,” Shelton said. “We are in the final stretch before the event and need day-of support as well as teams to come walk the track with us.  Whether you can stay the whole time or only swing by for a few hours, we welcome everyone drop by and learn about this unique event.”

The Relay will start with an opening at 9 a.m. and teams will field walkers to cover the entire 24 hours. On Saturday night about 9 p.m., memorial luminaria are lit around the perimeter of the field to honor and remember those lost to and fighting cancer.

“The Relay for Life movement is American Cancer Society’s signature fundraiser dedicated to helping communities attack cancer. From team members to volunteers, we all want to remember those we’ve lost, help those affected today, and give us a home team advantage against cancer. Through funds donated, time given, or awareness raised, our communities are teaming up to make a difference. When we rally together in the fight against cancer through this fun and inspirational event, we can accomplish anything,” the organization’s website notes.

“There is always something working to bring the dark clouds in and stomp out our peace of mind. 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 your neighbors, friends, loved ones and strangers … smiling,” said Shelton at the opening of last year’s Relay. “Keep in mind that you are changing the world with every step you take and every dollar you raise. You are making the lives of your neighbors, friends, and family easier by continuing to walk, continuing to share your stories, and continuing to smile. Let’s get ready to Relay!”

For more information, including to sign up a team, contact Molly Shelton at relayforlifeofthefoothills@gmail.com or Kelly Carroll (424) 702-4105 or kelly.carroll@cancer.org.

Relay For Life events are also happening in Burbank and in nearby Los Angeles neighborhoods, Griffith Park and Valley Glen.

Have fun. Raise funds. Fight cancer.

  Julie BUTCHER