California spin on American Cancer Society fundraiser

This year’s Benicia Relay for Life, a 24-hour fundraiser that is part of the American Cancer Society’s effort to fight all forms of the disease, has attracted 59 teams — and boasts a new “look.”

For the first time the event, which begins Saturday and continues through Sunday, has a West Coast theme: “Walk Around the Clock, A Classic California Event,” said Terry Baldwin, Benicia Relay for Life chairperson.

This year, those gathering at Benicia High School to walk its track for the entire night-long event will see classic cars, palm trees and surfboards.

Those awaiting their turn to walk the track will be entertained by music, cake walks, a Miss Relay contest, a Relay Has Talent competition, and the chance to sing karaoke.

“Spin a hula hoop or compete in a game of Twister,” Baldwin said in a news release. “Decorate a cupcake in Kids Camp after you participate in the Lego Fun by BrickSpace.”

Some even will get a chance to take tethered hot air balloon rides as the relay continues Sunday.

“Come for the fight — stay for the party!” Baldwin said. “Don’t miss the fun!”

None of the money raised through the relay will go to the activities that will be going on along the track sidelines, Baldwin added.

“Thanks to the generosity of corporate sponsors like Valero, Underground Construction and Benicia Plumbing, the money raised by participants goes directly to the American Cancer Society’s lifesaving programs,” she said.

The local Relay for Life will begin at 9 a.m. Saturday when a group of Benicia cancer survivors will walk the official “survivor’s lap,” Baldwin said.

“Their involvement is proof of the progress that has been made not only reducing death rates,” but also in improving the quality of life of cancer patients and cancer survivors, she said.

After the survivor’s lap, other participants will begin making their way around the track.

“Relay for Life brings the progress against cancer to the forefront,” Baldwin said. “We are extremely excited to welcome 59 teams to our event this year.”

The teams, each of which have between eight and 15 members, raise money to enter the relay. That money then goes straight to the American Cancer Society.

Founded in 1913, the ACS’s mission is to eliminate cancer as a major health problem by saving lives, diminishing suffering and preventing cancer through research, education, advocacy and service, Baldwin said.

Its national headquarters is in Atlanta, and it has 13 regional divisions, with 3,400 local offices. Millions of volunteers throughout the United States contribute time as well as donations to the cause.

Those interested in learning more about the American Cancer Society may call 800-ACS-2345 or visit the organization’s website, www.cancer.org.

Relay for Life events run nonstop for 24 hours, a reminder that cancer patients are in a 24-hour-a-day struggle against the disease, Baldwin said.

While Benicia’s relay will have a lot of fun activities, one portion of the relay serves as a reminder about the seriousness of the battle against cancer.

It’s called the Luminaria Ceremony, and it is a memorial to those who have lost that battle as well as a recognition of those who have survived.

Luminaria are bags that are weighted with sand. Inside them are candles. At night, the candles create a glowing light inside the bags.

“It is beautiful when all the bags with candles are illuminated around the track,” Baldwin said. “The Luminaria Ceremony is such a moving way to remember our loved ones lost to cancer.”

Relay for Life also gives Benicians a way to unite with family members, friends and neighbors who have dealt with cancer themselves, Baldwin said.

She said progress has been made in patients’ and survivors’ quality of life after cancer treatment. Those strides have been underwritten, in part, by Relay for Life events, she said.

“The funds raised enable us to continue our investment in the fight back against cancer.”

The Benicia Relay for Life starts at 9 a.m. Saturday at Benicia High School, 1101 Military West, and concludes at 9 a.m. Sunday.