Relay for Life Laps Cancer; La Verne Raises $5,285 Toward Stopping Nation’s No. 2 Killer

Hundreds of people flocked to Claremont High School, Saturday, April 2, for the 17 annual Claremont/La Verne Relay for Life.Hosted by the American Cancer Society, Relay for Life is a volunteer- and team-driven fund raiser that raises money for cancer awareness, advocacy and education. Chairperson Cynthia Vant Hul has spearheaded the event for two years and said they have raised more than $46,000 and more is coming in.“We’re still working hard toward our goal of $60,000,” she said. “And with the way money is coming in, we just might make it.”Claremont Mayor Sam Pedroza and Councilmember Corey Calaycay were on hand, along with La Verne Mayor Pro Tem Robin Carder and Councilmember Charlie Rosales, to officiate opening ceremonies. The two communities have partnered on the event for more than five years.The first official lap of the relay, which began at 9 a.m. on Saturday and ended at 9 a.m. on Sunday, gathered close to one hundred cancer survivors on the field of the high school. Everyone joined in the following laps.

Tents filled with sleeping bags, tables and chairs dotted the grassy field and many people sold fun knick-knacks with all the proceeds going toward the American Cancer Society.  Music filled the air as folks participated in fun games.  Even Thummer, one of the mascots for the Los Angeles County Fair, got into the action and posed for the camera.
 
By 9 p.m., the field’s perimeter was lined with illuminaria bags which posted the names of people who were victims of cancer –the number two killer in the United States.  With the field illuminated only by the bags, the group walked solemnly around the field as bag piper Sean Keating filled the cold, evening air with the song, “Amazing Grace.”

By Sunday morning’s Fight Back Ceremony, the groggy and tired group discovered which were the leading teams in raising money.  Sunrise Rotary of Claremont was first with a total of $7,685, Claremont Crazies in second with $ 5,614, and the City of La Verne with $5,285.

Nineteen teams participated in the relay campaign which began in February and continues through August.  Usually, the relay is slated for the early May, but a schedule conflict with the school’s activities pushed the relay to the earlier date in April. 

Nusha Shishegar, team chairperson, said the relay was still successful in raising awareness.

“The relay still inspired people to stay committed to fight against cancer,” she said.  “Even though we were smaller this year, we were just as powerful – nothing stops us.  I’m looking forward to next year.”