Agoura Relay For Life finds a new home




A VERY SOLEMN DAY-  Relay for Life participants display a banner at last year's 24-hour walkathon. Emotions at the venue always run high. JANN HENDRY Acorn Newspapers

A VERY SOLEMN DAY- Relay for Life participants display a banner at last year’s 24-hour walkathon. Emotions at the venue always run high. JANN HENDRY Acorn Newspapers


The fifth annual Agoura Relay For Life fundraiser has been moved from Agoura High School to Willow Elementary School.

The 24-hour event, described by Relay For Life chair Ling Wu as a “walk-around-the-clock” to benefit the American Cancer Society, will kick off at 10 a.m. Sat., April 28 and end 24 hours later.

Wu, an Agoura Hills resident and longtime volunteer for the American Cancer Society, said the relay was moved this year because of the new turf installation at Agoura High School.

The Agoura Relay For Life offers teams of students, moms, clubs- anyone who wants to participate- the opportunity to make a difference in the battle against cancer. Last year, the Agoura Relay teams raised $92,000.

Funds raised through the Relay For Life enable the American Cancer Society to support local services and resources for cancer patients and their families. The money also supports critical cancer research and community education programs designed to teach people how to reduce their risk of developing the disease, Wu said.

According to the organization’s website, “At the event we celebrate survivorship and raise money to help the American Cancer Society in its mission to save lives, help those who have been touched by cancer and empower individuals to fight back.”

For a good cause

Cancer is a take-no-prisoners disease. According to research, one in three women and one in two men will face a cancer diagnosis at some point during their lives. The most common cancers in adults are skin, lung, colon, rectal, breast, endometrial, ovarian and prostate. All are life-threatening.

As the walking proceeds, other festivities are taking place. There will be offerings such as Jazzercise, live music and games, Wu said.

“Expect 24 hours of nonstop fun at the Relay,” Wu said. The day will start at 10 a.m. when cancer survivors are invited to walk the opening lap. Saturday evening, the entire community is invited to participate in a multicultural healing service, scheduled at 8 p.m.

A luminaria ceremony, or candle-lighting vigil, is a chance for family members to remember loved ones who’ve either died from- or survived- cancer. The ceremony begins at 9 p.m.

“Relay For Life is always a wonderful opportunity for our community to come together in the fight against cancer,” Wu said. So far, 30 teams have been formed. Organizers hope at least 40 will participate. Generally 10 people are on a team, but Wu said teams can have many people as desired. “The more the merrier,” she said.

To match last year’s success, Wu said more volunteers are needed. The goal is to beat last year’s total, she said.

The next volunteer committee meeting for the American Cancer Society Agoura Relay For Life is scheduled for 7 p.m. Wed., March 28 in the community room next to Agoura Hills City Hall.

“Relay For Life is as much an awareness raiser about the progress against cancer as it is a fundraiser,” Wu said. “Individuals who are willing to give their time and energy to this exciting event, as a volunteer or participant, have made a commitment to fight back against this disease and let the community know that you can beat cancer.”

Volunteers organize and recruit teams, seek community support, plan entertainment, organize refreshments and prizes, find additional sponsors and work out the logistics for team activities.

This year, Relay For Life events will be held in more than 295 communities throughout California. Wu said the events are expected to raise $34.5 million.

Paint it purple

On March 31, the Agoura Relay teams will emphasize their cause by decorating city hall and the Agoura Recreation Center with purple accents for the week.

To support the event, members of the community are invited to display purple Relay For Life yard signs and decorate their homes with splashes of the color.

For further information about Relay For Life and volunteer opportunities, call Ling Wu at (818) 7152616 or contact her via email at sjrelay@yahoo.com. Information is also available at www.acsevents.org/relay/ca/ agoura.

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