Sporting names like Cancer Kickers, Cubs for a Cure and Chemosabes, people are flocking to form teams and take part in the 2009 American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Mission Viejo.
As of Friday, 56 teams had already been formed, with participants raising close to $2,400 toward the June 6, 7 Relay For Life event at Saddleback College.
Relay for Life is a fun-filled overnight event designed to celebrate survivorship and raise money for research and programs. During the event, teams participate at schools, fairgrounds or parks and take turns walking or running laps. At nightfall, participants light hundreds of luminarias in a moving ceremony to honor cancer survivors and remember those who lost their battle to the disease. Relay For Life offers something for everyone – from the newly diagnosed and caregivers to friends and long-term cancer survivors.
On Thursday, the Mission Viejo-based Relay For Life committee kicked off the Relay season with a mixer that drew roughly 150 people. The event, which attracted churches, schools, Boy Scouts, organizations and several others, was designed to prompt awareness, participation and educate individuals about ways to help fight the disease.
Mayor Frank Ury was the keynote speaker at the mixer, which also included an inspirational video, a survivor’s moving story and excitement for moving forward to raise money for the 2009 American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Mission Viejo. Outback Steakhouse, Trader Joes and local high school student Evan Roth, who entertained participants with his talents on the piano, all donated their services and time.
The cause has certainly inspired many who’ve formed teams christened with names such as Pirates of the CUREibean, Radiation Nation, Overdue for a Cure, Kelley’s Heroes, Kidz 4 a Cure and Cougars Crushing Cancer. Some team names are personal, symbolizing an individual, friend or loved one who won or lost the battle with cancer. Other names were crafted from companies or service and youth organizations. And yet all team names were dreamt of out of hope – the hope that forming teams and raising money will help lead to a cure for cancer.
Team captains are still sought to recruit groups, families, friends, neighbors or co-workers to raise money and attend the 24-hour event in June. Cancer survivors are sought to participate in the “Survivor’s Lap.”
Community members interested in forming a team for the 2009 American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life of Mission Viejo can do so for free through Jan. 31. Registration is $25 from Feb. 1 through Feb. 17, and $150 after that. The public is invited to learn more about the worthwhile, fun event by attending the Feb. 12 team captain meeting, which is from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at City Hall, 200 Civic Center.
For more information and to register a team, visit www.relayforlife.org/missionviejoca or call 949-567-0625.
