The tents were up, the teams were ready, and the race was on. Five thousand people were out in force last Saturday at the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life.
CSUB hosted the 10th annual event for the second year in a row. There were over 186 teams consisting of students, teachers, doctor’s offices, church groups and service organizations. Some people came out because it’s a good cause. Others were there because it was personal.
Mary Gillette, co-chair in charge of volunteers, says four years ago when she began getting involved she didn’t have a personal connection to cancer. Since then, Gillette’s sister, sister-in-law and grandfather have all been diagnosed with some form of cancer. Gillette’s sister-in-law recently lost her battle with the disease.
Every year, Gillette is in awe of the amount of people that come out to support the event.
“It’ s people doing something for someone else,” said Gillette. “They are showing concern for the people in our community.”
The emotions ran high during the first lap of the event, which consisted of approximately 1,000 survivors of cancer. People watching were visibly moved and there wasn’t a dry eye among them. These survivors also included small children who were escorted around the track in vintage fire trucks.
Britney Anderson, 9, was one of those kids. Britney has a myofibroblastic tumor. According to her aunt, Penny Anderson, there are only 120 cases worldwide and Britney is the only child to ever have this form of cancer.
“She has days when she has stomach cramps but today’s a good day and she’s ready for this,” said Penny, referring to the relay.
CSUB had several supporters at the walk. There was a Cal State team as well as a team of walkers from Gamma Phi Beta sorority. Both groups exceeded their fundraising goals bringing in a combined $11,000.
The American Cancer Society’s goal for this event was simply to beat last year’s figure of $703,000. Not only did they beat it; they blew it out of the water by raising approximately $927,000.
The thought of having cancer frightens most people, and with good reason, but June Zapp isn’t one of those people. Zapp has been battling cancer for six years and admits it is throughout her entire body. But it didn’t stop her from lacing up her tennies, and donning her red visor on her beautifully bald head.
“This is the greatest adventure I’ve ever been on,” said Zapp, referring to her cancer. “I don’t see cancer as a negative thing.”
Zapp says it has opened a door for her and brought really wonderful people into her life.
The support was tremendous and there was a definite feeling of camaraderie among all participants.
Many supporters will return again next year but some will not be so lucky.
Runner@csubak.edu