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The San Ramon Valley community is set to honor cancer survivors, remember those who have died from cancer and raise funds for ongoing efforts to find a cure and support current patients during the annual Relay for Life this weekend.
The day-long fundraising event features participants in teams taking turns walking laps around the California High School athletic track for 24 hours — a time-frame symbolizing that cancer never rests and that many cancer patients face sleepless nights after their diagnosis.
Scheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday through 10 a.m. Sunday at the high school at 9870 Broadmoor Drive in San Ramon, the local Relay for Life is sponsored by the American Cancer Society and raises money to support cancer research and local groups who assist cancer patients during their treatment.
“The Relay For Life movement unites communities across the globe to celebrate people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and take action to finish the fight once and for all,” Relay for Life community manager Kristen Shelbourne said.
The event will kick off Saturday with an opening ceremony followed by the first lap, a celebratory lap walked by cancer survivors and caregivers at 10:30 a.m.
Other marquee moments include the luminaria ceremony at dusk Saturday when candles are lit in honor of local residents who battled cancer, and the closing ceremony and a call to action in the fight back against cancer at 9:30 a.m. Sunday.
There are different themes throughout the event encouraging walkers to dress up in costume while strolling down the track.
This year’s lap themes include crazy hat and sunglasses, “slip slop slap wrap,” new buddy (when people must find a new friend and walk with them), superhero lap, zombie, pajama and bedhead, and trash pickup.
Scheduled speakers include U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Dublin), who represents San Ramon, Danville Vice Mayor Renee Morgan and San Ramon resident Arlie Smith, who is battling cancer.
As of late Thursday afternoon, 24 teams and 168 participants had raised almost $46,000 for this year’s event through online registration and donations.
For more information and to sign up as a participant or volunteer, visit the San Ramon Valley Relay for Life website.
