I have worked in the community of Santa Monica for the past 20 years and reside in Marina del Rey with my husband, Dr. Norton Wyner.
I have been active in the American Cancer Society Relay For Life in Santa Monica for the past three years and have been responsible for the opening and closing ceremonies each year.
The American Cancer Society has always been important in my life. I was a breast health educator for the ACS for many years and enjoyed speaking to corporations about breast health. I also served on the coastal division board of directors for a number of years.
It was very exciting for me when we started the Santa Monica Relay For Life and I wanted to be a part of the event from the beginning. Both of my parents died from cancer and my husband is a cancer survivor, so this event is special to me.
This is an important event for everyone and there is something for everyone at Relay For Life. It is a wonderful opportunity for parents to spend quality time with their children. Children love the idea of camping out for the night, eating popcorn and watching movies with their parents. The Luminaria Ceremony is very touching, and I enjoy personally decorating paper bags in memory of my mother and father, and in honor of my husband and close girlfriend, also a cancer survivor. After dark, lit candles are placed in the bags and are positioned around the track at Santa Monica College. It is an impressive sight. I also enjoy walking around the track while visiting with friends. I love the food that is donated by restaurants in our community.
So join our event on July 24-25 and be a part of helping to eradicate cancer in our lifetime. It is safe to spend the night as the Santa Monica Police Department have a presence for the 24-hour period. I'm counting on seeing you there.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on July 10, 2004. Read the original PDF.