By Daily Press staff
Santa Monicans next month 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. Teams are made up of people who will walk or run around a track in shifts. The registration fee is $150, and each team member is encouraged to raise a minimum of $100. Team participants camp out and enjoy music, entertainment and refreshments as well as build team spirit in the fight against cancer.
Organizers say the power of the event relay allows the community to grieve for those who have been lost to cancer and to celebrate the lives of those who have successfully survived. It gives everyone, from the newly diagnosed patient to the caregivers of those who have struggled with the disease, an opportunity to be with others who have been touched by cancer.
The event begins on Saturday, July 23, at 9 a.m. and runs continuously until 9 a.m. on Sunday, July 24. It will be held at Santa Monica College’s Corsair Field, 1900 Pico Blvd.
Leading up to the event, the Daily Press will highlight volunteers’ stories.
Frank Fabrega
Age: 51
Residence: Santa Monica
Profession: Santa Monica Police Lieutenant
What is your role in the Relay for Life?
“Event chair for 2005.”
How did you get involved in Relay for Life?
“The police department became involved with Relay For Life since its inception in our community four years ago. The Chief of Police, James T. Butts Jr., is on the executive board for the American Cancer Society and strongly felt this was a great community outreach event.”
What has been your experience so far?
“I’ve been involved with relay for the past four years. I enjoy working with everyone on the committee who dedicates their time and efforts at making this event a success. I measure success by how many residents and participants become more educated with the American Cancer Society and the programs being offered to the community of Santa Monica.”
What has been your experience with cancer?
“Two years ago I was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Now I am cancer free, and it was through early detection that the cancer was discovered. After being diagnosed with cancer, I utilized the services offered by the American Cancer Society. Their Web site and their two-hour 800 phone number helped me learn what options I had to fight this disease.”
What would you tell someone about this event who doesn’t know about it?
“I tell individuals that this is a community event and the purpose is to raise awareness about cancer and that money raised goes toward education, advocacy and research, and this impacts everyone in our community. Cancer affects our family, friends and co-workers. Relay helps us celebrate survivorship, and we remember those who lost their battle to cancer.”
Why are you involved in this event, and not others that raise money for cancer?
“Relay is an event run by volunteers who are truly dedicated at making a difference in our community.”
What does your committee need?
“We are always looking for individuals that want to get involved with our committees. We are looking for teams to join our relay.”
For more information, contact the American Cancer Society at (310) 348-0356 or visit www.acsevents.org/relay/ca/santamonica.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on June 29, 2005. Read the original PDF.