California State University East Bay

The Pioneer

California State University East Bay

The Pioneer

California State University East Bay

The Pioneer

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San Lorenzo, East Bay Residents Unite through Cancer Fundraiser

Every single day you wake up is the most important day you have,” said Kathie Ready, a cancer survivor who spoke at San Lorenzo’s inaugural Relay For Life, put on by the American Cancer Society and fueled by 300 volunteer participants, held Saturday and Sunday at Arroyo High School’s track.

The 24-hour event, held in many locales across the country, raises awareness about cancer prevention, funds for cancer research, and brings together survivors, families and friends of those affected by the disease, caregivers and supporters.

Participants in the local effort formed teams ahead of the event in order to raise money through friends, family and community members. During the event, which consists of a constant flow of participants walking around the local high school dirt track, teams had set up tents and booths to sell arts and crafts or homemade treats such as lavender-mint cookies.

The gathering stretched from Saturday morning through the chilly San Lorenzo evening until the Sunday morning closing ceremony.

The opening ceremony on Saturday began with Senate Majority Leader Ellen Corbett speaking to a slightly thinner crowd about why this event is significant to the people of the community.

“You have not chosen to stand still, you have chosen to move forward and fight,” said Corbett. She continued by emphasizing that events such as this, where members of the community come together to support one another, sends an important message to political players in the state and the nation’s capital to continue fighting for those distressed by this illness.

The occasion, centering on hope and strength through community involvement and awareness, included various performances from East Bay bands like Dirty Cello, The Hudson Street Band, Finding 42 and a Hawaiian hula dance performance. The entertainment didn’t stop there as attendees could take part in as many themed laps as they chose, with categories ranging from zombie, water fight, 80’s inspired Wham and glow-in-the-dark.

In total, the event raised roughly $50,000 for the American Cancer Society, which aids in cancer research and advocacy through support networks.

Kathleen Harrigan, the event chair for the Relay, says she was very pleased with the turnout, and the feeling of enthusiasm and energy brought to the track by the participants.

“The willingness to tell stories,” was one of the main pillars of the event that Harrigan said made this event successful. “People telling stories so that other people don’t feel alone and other people understand what this is really all about.”

Natalia Aldana contributed to this article

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San Lorenzo, East Bay Residents Unite through Cancer Fundraiser