Despite predictions for a weekend of rain, more than 25 teams are expected at the 2016 Foothills Relay for Life.

By Brandon HENSLEY

s Relay for Life approaches, we are reminded the fight against cancer is an ongoing, uphill battle. But from April 9 to April 10 at Clark Magnet High School, the foothill community can join in and help fight the disease that has affected so many.

Relay for Life of the Foothills, a 24-hour fundraiser, is ready to take on cancer once again. Cancer survivors, as well and friends, family and all types of supporters, can head over to Clark Magnet, 4747 New York Ave. in La Crescenta, and walk around the track for 24 hours beginning at 9 a.m. on April 9. Funds raised from the event go to the American Cancer Society.

Lori Carrico, a survivor co-chair this year, along with Paula Warner, is proud to be a part of it for the fifth year.

“This has been an emotional event and I want to continue to support this for years to come,” Carrico said. “Both of my parents are cancer survivors. Thanks to the early testing and great doctors being diligent, they found it and removed it for my parents. They’re both doing fine. I am blessed.”

Booths on-site will be raffling off prizes. In addition, there will be food served throughout the duration. The person in charge of that will be Jean Maluccio, who has been a part of Relay for Life for over 10 years, back when it was held at Crescenta Valley High School.

Maluccio will serve the food, and said for every person who raises $100, they will receive a wristband allowing them to eat all day long. Breakfast will be served at 9 a.m., Weinerschnitzel will arrive at about 3 p.m. for the afternoon “walking the dog” and dinner will feature pasta and ham.

“I’m extremely happy there are people walking who will eat this food. You’re thankful there are people giving their time, and it’s a small thing for us to feed them,” Maluccio said.

There is a big element of community support when it comes to Relay, and that includes the food, said Maluccio.

“My daughter sent out a [notice] on Facebook – ‘We need desserts.’ There was a big response,” she said.

Carrico said she plans to have a large tent area decorated for cancer survivors to sit and relax, to kick up their feet and share their stories.

“We want to provide healthy snacks and drinks for them as well as small raffle gifts to give away. This has been an emotional event and I want to continue to support this for years to come,” Carrico said.

Robin Goldsworthy, publisher of the Crescenta Valley Weekly, and staff writer Mary O’Keefe will head this year’s Relay as co-chairs for the second year in a row.

“I am truly impressed with our community and its people,” Carrico said. “We are a mighty few who get together to put this together but when it’s [Relay] our town shows up. The support is incredible. I love working with our team of folks that work very hard and not much rest to put this altogether.”

Hard work is something Maluccio knows about. She is an advisor to the board of the CV Chamber of Commerce, involved in CV Fireworks, and she’ll help set up the Hometown Country Fair next week, which is held at CV Park. It’s a hectic schedule but she said it’s worth it.

“I would say so. Otherwise, I wouldn’t do it. It’s like anything else. You give, and then afterward you feel [glad] that it happened,” she said.

The Hometown Country Fair ended prematurely last year because of rain. Maluccio is hoping for better weather this time around. But first, it’s Relay for Life and, rain or shine, spirits won’t be dampened for this worthy fight.

“I can’t think of anybody who hasn’t [been affected] by cancer,” Maluccio said. “My mother passed away from it, though I was very young. I would say my reasons are that it’s a good cause.”

Donations are gladly being accepted. Visit www.relayforlife.org to show support for those walking.

  Brandon Hensley