Today, Santa Monicans will rally together for 24 hours to battle cancer.
The American Cancer Society Relay For Life is an overnight team event that raises awareness of cancer in the community and raises money to fight the disease.
The team event begins Saturday, July 24, at 9 a.m. and runs continuously until 9 a.m. on Sunday, July 25. Leading up to the event, the Daily Press will highlight volunteers’ stories: Joanne Sell I'm 43 years old. I live in Torrance and am currently serving as the “Thank You Chairperson” for the Santa Monica Relay for Life. I proudly belong to the “Fighting (against cancer) Flamingos” team and this is our second year participating in the Relay for Life. I am a purchasing and logistics Specialist at the Toyota Technical Center in Gardena.
I became involved with the Relay when a dear friend of mine, Linda Lovett, decided to form a team. Linda is a survivor of breast cancer and had inspired me so much with her sheer willpower to overcome this horrible disease. When she asked me to join, I gladly agreed.
My daughter Melanie and I participated in the Relay for Life last year. I was humbled by the level of commitment, good nature and dedication of the people I met there. Our team raised $5,000 and we hope to double that this year. My favorite part was the Luminaria ceremony, which was quiet and reflective. I purchased lumi-narias for a couple of special people in my life who I’ve lost to cancer: My mother, grandfather, former pastor, and a family friend who died at age 16 many years ago. This year I will be walking in honor of my cousin, David Grant, who died of lung cancer a few weeks ago at age 42.
I enjoy telling people about the Relay for Life. The motivation derived from Starz Entertainment kept us going for the entire 24 hours last year. Game shows, movies, exercise class, bands/music, games, etc. They were wonderful. The other great thing about the Relay for Life was that it gave me the opportunity to walk with some of my friends, to talk without the interruption of TV and phone. I learned a lot of interesting things about them during that 24-hour period that I may not have learned otherwise.
When asked why I am involved with Relay instead of any other event, I don’t exactly feel like I chose Relay as my “charity of choice.” I believe Relay chose me through Linda's strength and enthusiasm.
The Santa Monica community has raised more than $100,000 since 2002, when the first American Cancer Society Relay For Life was held. This year, the third annual Relay will be held at Santa Monica College’s Corsair Field on today at 9 a.m. through Sunday at 9 a.m.
Teams are made up of at least 10 to 20 people who will walk or run around the SMC track in shifts, with the goal being that someone is on the track at all times. Each team member raises money in the weeks leading up to the event. The event is not only to raise money to fight cancer, but also to remember loved ones who lost their battle to the disease and celebrate the lives of those who have survived.
There will be dozens of cancer survivors — representing all forms — walking the opening lap on Saturday morning. From there, the weekend is all about fun, community and raising money. To participate, recruit friends, family members, co-workers and neighbors to form a relay team. People camp out and create a community party atmosphere together.
For more information, contact the SMRFL Committee at (310) 348-0356.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on July 24, 2004. Read the original PDF.