Event's anniversary in Yucaipa celebrates cancer survivors
Debby Lowe has a wish: "In my lifetime I would like to see cancer
eradicated so my daughter will never hear the words, 'you've got
cancer.'"
Lowe has heard those words twice. She's a 23-year cancer survivor -- a survivor of two types of cancers. From personal experience, she knows that hope and determination go far in the battle against the dreaded disease.
Lowe serves as the event chairwoman for the Yucaipa Relay For Life. She's been involved with the Relay since its inception in 2004.
"It's a fun-filled event that empowers and celebrates life," Lowe said, "and it raises money so we can continue to have survivors."
The statistics are staggering. According to the American Cancer Society, about 565,650 people died from cancer in 2008 -- more than 1,500 each day.
Lowe has heard those words twice. She's a 23-year cancer survivor -- a survivor of two types of cancers. From personal experience, she knows that hope and determination go far in the battle against the dreaded disease.
Lowe serves as the event chairwoman for the Yucaipa Relay For Life. She's been involved with the Relay since its inception in 2004.
"It's a fun-filled event that empowers and celebrates life," Lowe said, "and it raises money so we can continue to have survivors."
The statistics are staggering. According to the American Cancer Society, about 565,650 people died from cancer in 2008 -- more than 1,500 each day.
But Relay For Life, the American Cancer Society's signature event,
raises money to fight back by funding cancer research, early detection
and prevention education, advocacy efforts, and life-affirming patient
services.
But as important, the Relay brings people together as a community in a moving and fun atmosphere that celebrates survivorship.
This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Relay since its founding by Dr. Gordy Klatt of Tacoma, Washington. Subsequently, the Relay (worldwide) is appropriately themed the, "25th Year of Hope."
Lowe said that 5,000 communities across the United States will host a Relay in 2009 with about 3.5 million people participating.
"It started with just one person," Lowe said. "Now it is held throughout the U.S. and in 19 other countries."
And Yucaipa is one of those communities. To date, 44 teams and more than 300 people have registered to participate in Yucaipa's Relay, which is themed: "(Cancer Makes It) A Small World," Lowe said.
But Lowe said it's never too late to participate. "They can register at any time, all the way through the event," she said.
Last year the Yucaipa Relay raised almost $90,000. However, Lowe said she expects that figure to drop to about $70,000 to $80,000 because of the slumping economy.
Relay For Life will be held on Saturday and Sunday, May 9-10, at Yucaipa Community Park. The event begins with an opening ceremony at 9 a.m. on Saturday followed by a survivors lap at about 10 a.m.
About 150 survivors will walk a lap past cheering family, friends, and supporters honoring them and celebrating their survival.
Later that night, about 9 p.m., the Luminary ceremony will be held. It's an emotional ceremony in which bags with lit candles inside line the walking path. Heartfelt messages, drawings, and pictures often beautify the outside of the bags.
"We honor those we've lost, and celebrate our survivors," Lowe said. "It's our most emotional ceremony."
For more information call Debby Lowe at (909) 534-2571. Or June Patterson at (951) 300-1209.
bob.otto@inlandnewspapers.com
But as important, the Relay brings people together as a community in a moving and fun atmosphere that celebrates survivorship.
This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Relay since its founding by Dr. Gordy Klatt of Tacoma, Washington. Subsequently, the Relay (worldwide) is appropriately themed the, "25th Year of Hope."
Lowe said that 5,000 communities across the United States will host a Relay in 2009 with about 3.5 million people participating.
"It started with just one person," Lowe said. "Now it is held throughout the U.S. and in 19 other countries."
And Yucaipa is one of those communities. To date, 44 teams and more than 300 people have registered to participate in Yucaipa's Relay, which is themed: "(Cancer Makes It) A Small World," Lowe said.
But Lowe said it's never too late to participate. "They can register at any time, all the way through the event," she said.
Last year the Yucaipa Relay raised almost $90,000. However, Lowe said she expects that figure to drop to about $70,000 to $80,000 because of the slumping economy.
Relay For Life will be held on Saturday and Sunday, May 9-10, at Yucaipa Community Park. The event begins with an opening ceremony at 9 a.m. on Saturday followed by a survivors lap at about 10 a.m.
About 150 survivors will walk a lap past cheering family, friends, and supporters honoring them and celebrating their survival.
Later that night, about 9 p.m., the Luminary ceremony will be held. It's an emotional ceremony in which bags with lit candles inside line the walking path. Heartfelt messages, drawings, and pictures often beautify the outside of the bags.
"We honor those we've lost, and celebrate our survivors," Lowe said. "It's our most emotional ceremony."
For more information call Debby Lowe at (909) 534-2571. Or June Patterson at (951) 300-1209.
bob.otto@inlandnewspapers.com
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