Community Corner
Volunteers Walk All Weekend Long to Fight Cancer
The local Relay for Life event raises more than $87,000 for the battle against the deadly disease.
Thirty-four teams of volunteers took a non-stop journey around field this past weekend for the annual Relay for Life cancer fundraising walk.
As of early Saturday, teams raised over $87,000 for the American Cancer Society toward a goal of $120,000. Last year, the event raised $110,000 to fight against cancer.
For 24 hours, team members took turns walking around the middle school's outdoor track as a symbol that cancer never sleeps. Many teams stayed on the field well through the night and walked the illuminated path.
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"This is my first time and I am really happy that I was able to contribute because cancer has been a big part of my life and anything that I can do to help others prevent what I had to go through is just amazing," said Katie Rudoy from team Kidz That Care.
The city of Calabasas Cure Chasers team raised the most funds at $9,680. The top participant at the event was Rhonda Kamihira of team Hope Angels with funds totaling $7,025.
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"Sadly I lost both my parents to cancer, and so I've got my little angels here to help me," said Kamihira.
Relay For Life began in 1985 when Dr. Gordy Klatt walked a track for 24 hours to raise money for the American Cancer Society. Many were inspired to do the same and now the cause has gone global.
"I am here as a survivor of breast cancer for two times and I'm glad to be here," said Polly Tattersal of the Bay Laurel Dolphins team. "We need to stop cancer."