Those who have experienced a cancer diagnosis or watched a friend battle cancer know that it can be one of the most difficult experiences life has to offer.
Luckily, there are organizations and programs to make the battle a little easier for patients and survivors. Organizations including the American Cancer Society, which, through its Tender Loving Care outreach, provides chemotherapy patients with wigs free of charge, as well as Hope Lodges, which offer temporary housing so patients can live closer to where they are treated.
To raise money for cancer research and local resources for patients, the second Scotts Valley-San Lorenzo Valley Relay For Life is planning a 24-hour relay at Skypark in Scotts Valley Saturday and Sunday, May 21 and 22, from 10 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Spearheading the event is Jackie Maurer, who has been involved with the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life for 12 years, ever since she attended her first relay after her son was diagnosed with cancer.
Last year, the event’s first in Scotts Valley, 138 people participated and raised about $30,000, Maurer said.
As of Monday, May 16, 222 people had signed up for this year’s relay and $31,000 had been raised.
“I can see us reaching $40,000,” Maurer said. “We’ve been seeing one to 10 people signing up every day.”
So far, she said, 27 teams of various sizes had signed up.
The relay itself begins at 10 a.m., with cancer survivors leading the first lap around the barbecue and playground areas of Skypark following the release of 15 white doves.
Throughout the day and night, participants will be treated to live music, themed laps, fresh food and hot drinks.
The most touching part, Maurer said, is the Luminaria ceremony, in which candles illuminate white paper bags — decorated in honor of cancer survivors and those lost to cancer — that line the relay route. A silent procession walks past them in a somber tribute.
