Volunteers prepare to host the first local cancer relay
Two-day event aims to help raise money for Cancer Society
By Melissa Matchak
Volunteers are gearing up for the first-ever Willow Glen Relay for Life, the American Cancer Society fundraiser that will make its debut at Willow Glen High School on May 18 and 19.
On that weekend, about 36 teams of 10 to 20 people will walk and run laps around the WGHS track, in honor of cancer survivors and those who have lost their battle with the disease.
The event begins on May 18, at 6 p.m. with an opening ceremony and the relay will kick off with a survivor lap, followed by an all-team lap. Team members will then begin their laps that will continue through the night and until noon on Saturday. According to Georgia Ladd, chairwoman for the Willow Glen relay, one member from each team will walk for a designated period of time during the 18-hour relay. Each team member must raise a minimum of $100 to participate in the relay.
At 9:30 p.m. on May 18, there will be a special ceremony, in memory of those who have died from cancer, and in dedication to those who have survived. Luminarias (small paper bags with candles inside) will be lit around the track and the names of those who are being honored will be read.
All the teams, including eight made up of middle school and high school students, will camp around the track overnight in an assigned spot. Ladd said that, although not all the participants are able to spend the night, everyone is encouraged to do so.
Throughout the event, live entertainment will be provided on a stage, including a guitarist, the Willow Glen High School and Middle School choirs, a live band and a dance class performance. Ladd said there will be an aerobics class at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday morning, to wake up the walkers for the day. Food and beverages will also be provided for the participants.
The cancer society is organizing a total of nine Relay for Life events in Santa Clara County this year. Registration will close just before the event begins on May 18. Cost is $100 per team. For more information, call the American Cancer Society in Campbell at 408.879.1032.
Willow Glen, California Since 1992
