Relay for Life - Chico, California

Cancer is something that touches every life.  Each person knows someone with cancer is related to someone with cancer or has cancer themselves. 

This last weekend in Chico there was a Relay for Life event where ninety teams raised over $300,000 for the fight against cancer.  These events have been going on for more than twenty years.

The twenty-four hour event on Saturday, April 26 was kicked off with the Survivor’s Lap.  The cancer survivors, wearing their purple shirts (purple stands for survivor) lined up and walked the first lap together.  This is an emotional time.  After their lap, they were treated to a breakfast of fresh fruit and juice.

Each of the ninety teams put up an information booth where they were selling all sorts of things to raise money for the cause.  There were teams selling burgers, tacos, desserts, snacks and jewelry.  In addition, each booth was selling tickets for at least one raffle prize.  Some booths had several raffle prizes. 

Our team, Soroptimist International of Chico, chose to inform participants about the Human Papillomavirus which causes Cervical Cancer.  There is a new immunization available which can prevent the virus.  Additionally, we sold desserts, healthy snacks and energy drinks.  We also had a massage therapist giving free five minute massages and she took in over $100 in donations. 

The day was exceptionally fun.  There were bands playing live music.  There was a drag queen contest.  The queen who raised the most money won.  Games were provided for entertainment.  My daughter enjoyed Twister and a Limbo Contest.

Perhaps the most touching of all events is the Luminaria.  Throughout the day, people purchase bags that they can decorate for a lost loved one or in honor of someone who has battled cancer and won.  The decorated bag is filled with sand and a candle.  At dark, the bags which line the track are lit.  A moment of silence is followed by a reading of all the names on the Luminaria.  This is an emotional time in the evening.

After the Luminaria, the event starts to calm and people continue to walk the track.  There is one person from each team on the track for each of the twenty-four hours. 

At the event end, we were all exhausted but it was well worth it.  We’ve already begun planning next year’s team.