Relay for Life raises money and spirits

The Laker Girls attracted attention. So did former Los Angeles
mayor Richard Riordan.

But Saturday morning, a huge crowd gathered at Drake Stadium not
just to see the Laker Girls perform or to hear Riordan speak, but
to celebrate a small group of people who had one thing in common:
They were all cancer survivors.

A little after 10 a.m., some 20 cancer survivors kicked off the
second annual UCLA Relay For Life. Sporting sunglasses, hats and
purple T-shirts with the word “HOPE” written across the
front, cancer survivors walked the first lap of the relay. After
crossing the finish line, each survivor was awarded a medal.

Relay for Life is a 24-hour event that salutes cancer patients
and survivors and raises money for the American Cancer Society.

Teams of people raised money by collecting donations and taking
turns walking around a track for 24 hours.

Teams included Christian groups, fraternities and sororities,
and dorm floors. The team names were equally diverse. One team
called itself “The Chirping Dogs.” Another, “The
Star Cows.”

During the relay, each team tried to keep at least one member on
the track at all times.

President of UCLA Colleges Against Cancer, second-year biology
student Rosaline Le, said having someone on the track at all times
shows that “cancer never sleeps.” UCLA CAC, a two-year
old student organization, helped to bring Relay for Life to the
UCLA campus.

Riordan was one of the first speakers of the morning. A prostate
cancer survivor, he asked the crowd, “Are you really going to
walk for 24 hours?” Participants answered with an
enthusiastic “yes” that echoed in Drake Stadium.

Also in front of this supportive crowd, Courtney Cheney, a
second-year communication studies student, shared her story of
battling with cancer. In high school, Courtney said she was
diagnosed with soft tissue cancer. While most teenagers were
complaining about homework and worrying about acne, Courtney
endured 18 months of chemotherapy. She lost all her hair, gained
weight and had no energy. Chemotherapy destroyed her immune system
and she could no longer go to school.

Sharing her hardships was only a part of Cheney’s purpose.
Speaking of her battle with cancer, she said, “One thing I
learned was the importance of positive attitude. Being optimistic
is half the battle.”

To maintain her spirits, Cheney said during her months in the
hospital, she brought her own decorations and sheets and gave out
treats on holidays.

Now, almost three years cancer-free, Cheney said, “Being
able to live my life is such a gift. Every moment we are given is a
gift.”

Around 9 p.m., stadium lights were turned off for the Luminaria
Ceremony, a candlelight ceremony to remember and honor loved ones
who lost their battles with cancer.

In the dark, participants formed a tight circle in the center of
the stadium. Lighted “Luminaria bags””“ paper bags
decorated with the names of loved ones who died of cancer ““
ringed the stadium. More bags spelled out “HOPE” in big
bold letters on the bleachers above. Against this backdrop,
participants gathered for music, poetry, sharing and
remembering.

After the conclusion of the Luminaria Ceremony, participants
continued the relay. Alone and in pairs and small groups,
participants started walking around the stadium. Others returned to
their tents and picnic blankets. On the far side of the stadium,
someone was playing the violin while another accompanied on guitar.
Laughing and chatting, the participants’ energy seemed
undiminished from the morning.

Le said last year’s Relay for Life included seven teams
and raised around $10,000. This year over 60 teams were registered,
said Le. As of Sunday morning, Joono Choi, Relay for Life co-chair,
said $50,273 had been raised by the event.