Stage set for Agoura cancer relay

Acorn file photo TO LIFE!—Walkers gather in force at last year's Relay for Life event at Willow Elementary School in Agoura Hills. The 24-hour walk continues through the night to symbolize how cancer never sleeps. This year's relay is set for Sat., April 25. At 10 a.m. on Sat., April 25, more than 1,200 Agoura, Oak Park and Westlake Village residents will gather at Willow Elementary School on Laro Drive in Agoura Hills to kick off the sixth annual Relay For Life cancer fundraiser.

Teams formed from businesses, clubs, families, friends, hospitals, churches, schools and service organizations will participate in the 24-hour walkathon.

One member of each team is being asked to remain on the track at all times—because cancer itself never sleeps.

The theme for this year's Relay is "Across the Universe to Imagine A Cure" and a slew of new activities will be offered.

Therapy dogs will join survivors and caregivers in the inspirational opening lap, and throughout the day the survivors and caregivers will have access to a lounge, which will be catered by Le Pain Quotidien and furnished with comfortable couches and chairs.

Entertainment includes guest speakers Judith Harris and Tami Hulcher, "The Queen of Health." Harp and piano music will be featured.

Children will have a place of their own on the Relay track. Kids' Camp, sponsored by Graphaids, will keep children of all ages occupied with activities and crafts. At 8 p.m. on April 25, the Kids' Camp will be hosting a pajama party.

Many of the teams will host onsite fundraisers designed to raise awareness about the international fight against cancer, while also encouraging visitors to have fun and become involved.

Sponsors will be delivering healthy food options throughout the 24 hours to fuel those Relayers on the track. The Agoura Valley Woman's Group will be assisting in the food distribution. H2 Origin Wellness Center is providing alkaline water and reusable water bottles for every participant.

On Saturday evening the community is invited to take part in a luminaria candle llighting ceremony, and from 10:30 p.m. to 1:30 am, participants will be dancing the night away at "Club Cure," held center stage at the Agoura Relay. The Willow multipurpose room will be transformed into a jamming nightclub with a live band and D.J., a 60s theme complete with black lighting and lot of energy designed to encourage everyone to remain involved throughout the 24 hours of the event.

A closing ceremony is at 9 a.m. on Sun., April 26.

Funds raised at the Relay For Life of Agoura will enable the American Cancer Society to support local programs, services and resources for cancer patients and their families. Funds also support critical cancer research and community education programs designed to teach people how to reduce their risk of developing cancer.

For more information visit www.relayforlife.org/agouraca, or call (818) 292-0637.