The gamut of human emotion was experienced by many of those who attended the eleventh annual Relay For Life event in Los Banos. “Celebrate, Remember and Fight Back” is the theme of the Relay For Life fundraiser, and that is exactly what people did this weekend.  People who attended the event experienced everything from tear-filled sorrowful remembrances, to the excited happy laughter of children playing games, to a strengthening hope as they helped to raise funding for a cure for cancer.

For the last eleven years local volunteers have put on the “Relay For Life” event.  Chaired this year by Sandra Mello, Peggy Oliver, and Crysti Wheeler, the Relay for life is “an overnight team event that raises awareness of cancer in the community and raises funds to fight the insidious disease. Throughout the relay for life, teams of friends, families, and co-workers commit to keeping at least one member of their team walking the track ‘because cancer never sleeps’.

This year, as in years past, the relay for life was held at the Loftin Stadium near the library.  The relay started with what is known as the ‘survivor’s lap’ where cancer survivors make their way around the track to the cheers of the other people who were assembled. The intent of the survivor’s lap is to testify that many people CAN and DO survive cancer in today’s world.

After the survivors lap and opening ceremonies, members from each team started walking the track - and they kept it up all night long. While the teams were walking the track, the public was invited to come and go as they pleased. Those who came to the event were able to participate in a number of educational and fun activities that were put on by people staffing the many informational booths set up on the inside of the track.

In addition to the many things to do that were offered at the individual booths, other activities and entertainment offered. There were dance performances, bands, a tug-of-war, musical chairs, a game of “Coke/Pepsi” and musical performances to be experienced for those who were present. Terry Brown performed for the crowd Saturday evening singing several songs including a brand new one that you may hear more about later…

Many of the booths were specialized and the individuals manning the booths handed out information on specific and individual forms of cancer of all kinds.  Breast cancer, prostate cancer, cervical cancer, and colon cancer (as well as many other forms of the disease) were covered.  Information on prevention and treatment was also offered. Several booths had raffles where they gave away prizes to people that came and participated in some way.

Importantly, many of the booths were staffed by cancer survivors themselves and/or people who had survived a loved-ones passing.  This gave most, if not all, of the booths a ‘personal touch’ as people were able to exchange experiences and fellowship with others who had in some manner been hit by this awful scourge. Some of the individuals who I spoke with found the opportunity to talk with others who were affected somewhat cathartic. Tears flowed as they talked about their loved ones and even their own experiences.

One of the most touching and emotional parts of the Relay For Life events is the ‘Luminaria Ceremony’. This year proved to be no exception.  The Luminaria Ceremony honors both the survivors of cancer and those who have passed-away due to cancer.

During the Relay For Life, people who attended or participated were offered the opportunity to purchase ‘luminaria bags’ on which they were invited to write the name of the person they were honoring.  The bags could also be decorated with drawings, photos or whatever. People then placed the decorated bags all around the track.

Just before the luminaria ceremony each bag was illuminated by a chemical light stick. As the bags were lighted four torch-bearers came in from the south, walking in front of the stage to light the ‘Hope Flame’. The Hope Flame was kept burning to the right of the stage during the luminaria ceremony and the subsequent march behind the Relay flags as the names of all of those being honored were read over the public address system. 

Just before the march, speakers took to the stage and addressed the people who had gathered. The atmosphere became respectfully solemn and quiet fell over those who were assembled.  This was particularly so when the story of Caidyn Lee was read. With the exception of an occasional quiet encouraging line like ‘It’s okay’, or ‘you’re doing fine’ being spoken, the crowd was absolutely silent as her story was put into words for those who sat in a hushed semi-circle around the stage.

Diana Ingram, who is well known in Los Banos for her volunteer efforts, talked about her husband Ron Ingram who is battling small-cell lung cancer.  Ron, is renowned for his efforts with the Sportsmen’s Club, and he also served as a Los Banos Airport Commissioner. Sadly, Ron was diagnosed with this quickly progressing disease only within the last year.  

Ms Ingram’s words were powerful and eloquent for a speech that, as she said later, she ‘just made up as she went along’.  Diana spoke about Ron’s smoking and the fact that ‘we don’t know who may be taken or when’.

It is hoped that the ‘fight back’ part of the Relay For Life will be effective in supporting those who are trying to save the lives of people touched by the scourge of cancer.

Here are a few additional photos from the event:

If everyone in Los Banos would just take 1 or 2 hours a month to do something to help their neighborhood or their community we could truly make Los Banos the gem of the valley.

The above is only my personal opinion and I strongly encourage readers to seek out more information from expert sources. Copyright 2010