El Cerrito Relay for Life Takes Off

The slogan at the bottom of event chair Laura Gonzalez’s email signature sums it up well: “Relay For Life represents the hope that those lost to cancer will never be forgotten, that those who face cancer will be supported, and that one day cancer will be eliminated.”

If you’re never been to one of the , probably the most difficult part to grasp is that an event centered around cancer can be so uplifting and just downright fun, in addition to being moving and informative.

Begun in 1985 when Dr. Gordy Klatt of Tacoma, WA, ran and walked for 24 hours around a stadium track, Relay for Life has become a series of locally staged events at locations such as high schools and parks. It is now a team event, with each team striving to have someone walking or running around the track throughout the 24 hours.

El Cerrito had an event at El Cerrito High for five years starting in 2000, followed by a gap of a few years after the American Cancer Society event lost use of the high school track during reconstruction. In 2010, the El Cerrito event started up again, at Cerrito Vista Park.

One of those attending that first year at Cerrito Vista was Gonzalez, who got involved through her best friend from high school, Dawn Curtis, who survived breast cancer.

“I was shocked at how wonderful it was and how few people were there,” Gonzalez said.  

She was inspired to attend training to take on a greater role. Last year, she was co-chair, and she is chair of which will take place from 10 a.m. Saturday,  July 21, through 10 a.m  Sunday, July 22. Working closely with her is Tamiko Escalante, who was chair last year and co-chair this year.

Determined to draw more people in this year, Gonzalez and others have spread the word at events like and Richmond’s on July 3.

As evidence of the event’s growth, Gonzalez noted that at the first Relay for Life at Cerrito Vista Park five people walked in the opening lap for cancer survivors, last year there were more than 20, and she’s expecting about 50 this year. Participants in the survivors lap, she said, range from teenagers to people in their 80s or 90s.

Last year 11 teams raised $35,000. There are 14 teams so far this year, and Gonzalez is shooting for $50,000.

To start a team, join a team, if you are a survivor who wants to walk in the survivor lap, or to sign up as an individual who is neither a survivor or on a team, you can go to the event's sign-up page.

Teams collect pledges from friends and family, and also hold related fundraisers like one the Crazy Daisies will have at Rubio’s restaurant at the El Cerrito Plaza on Wednesday.  After  2 p.m., if customers present the  fundraiser’s flier, 20 percent of the proceeds will go to Relay for Life.  The Pink & Purple Cancer Fighters team will hold a fundraiser  noon to 10 pm July 18 at Panda Express at the Plaza. (See flier).

Each team is encouraged to select a type of cancer to focus on and use as a theme for decorating its booth and providing information. Teams are also encouraged to have fundraisers at the relay, such as a craft activity or face painting.

The Crazy Daisies, which includes Gonzalez and is captained by her friend Curtis, focuses on breast cancer and is decorated with bras. Another booth focuses on keeping safe in the sun.

The relay will also raise funds with luminarias – lighted paper bags. For a contribution of at least $10, donors can remember someone who lost their battle with cancer or honor a survivor.  Luminarias can be ordered online or at the event. , at Jefferson Avenue and San Pablo Avenue in El Cerrito, has a luminaria-making station that can be used during its regular open hours (at tonight’s – July 10 - Playland After Dark for adults only, from 6 to 10 p.m; and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.)

Another way to help the event is to volunteer to help out at the relay with tasks such as setting up the luminarias and staffing the Fight Back booth, where visitors have the opportunity to write a pledge for themselves such as losing weight, eating better, or scheduling a doctor’s appointment for a screening.

Organizers will accept new participants as late as at the event, but it is better to sign up as soon as possible to ensure there is enough food for everyone.

A final, mandatory meeting for team captains will be held 6:30 p.m. on Thursday (July 12) at the El Cerrito Community Center, 7007 Moeser Lane, El Cerrito, in the tots room.

More information is available at the event’s website and its Facebook page or by emailing elcerritorelay@gmail.com.