The annual American Cancer Society Relay for Life fundraiser was held for 24 hours, from 9 a.m. on Saturday, July 28, through 9 a.m. on Sunday, July 29, at John Adams Middle School.
Teams of people camped out at John Adams, and each team had a representative on the field at all times to symbolize that cancer never rests.
According to relayforlife.org, “Much more than a walk around a track, Relay is a time to celebrate those who have battled cancer, remember those lost and get inspired to fight back. Those who have shared the same experience find common ground, hope and healing at Relay.”
The event raised over $78,000. Of the 31 teams participating, the KPMG team earned the most at $9,200.
Nat Trives was the Relay’s Honorary Chair. Summer Smith Loveland and Stephanie Bucklew were the co-chairs.
Said Loveland, “The Santa Monica Relay For Life is special to me because I have been participating since 2002, when my mother was battling cancer. Shortly after my first Relay she lost her battle, which encouraged me to become even more involved in fundraising for the American Cancer Society. The event is a wonderful combination of family activities, a touching luminaria ceremony remembering those who have lost their battle with cancer and a special recognition of cancer survivors. The funds raised by this event benefit cancer patients and their families by providing patient services, and even more importantly in the long run, research for a cure. We in Relay hope that one day a cure will be found.”
