 With tents pitched on the football field and RVs
circled round the A.B. Miller High School track, the Relay For
Life teams assembled for 24-hours of fun and commitment to finding a
cure for cancer. Although more money is expected to trickle in
over the next few weeks, the 5th Annual Relay For Life in Fontana raised over
$115,000.
The event, sponsored by the American Cancer Society,
began at 10:00 am on Saturday, April 30th and concluded at 10:00 am on Sunday, May
1st. At the Opening Ceremony, Fontana Unified School District
Superintendent, Dr. Charles D. Milligan, Fontana
City Council Member, Frank Scialdone, and Leslie Lewis from the American
Cancer Society welcomed the participants and thanked them for their
support. Over 100 Cancer survivors, followed by all of the Relay
participants, took to the track kicking off the festivities with the
Survivors' Lap.
More than 1,200 people participated in the 5th Annual
Relay For Life in the city of Fontana. Taking turns, the
participants lapped the track and mingled with other Relayers off it.
Entertainment and meals were provided throughout the two day event
through donations from the event's generous sponsors.
The Luminaria Ceremony, held Saturday night, was a
special time of reflection, hope and inspiration. White bags
filled with sand and a glowing candle were placed around the track, each
one dedicated in honor of a cancer survivor or in memory of someone who
has passed away from cancer. The luminarias encircled the track
and lit the way as the Relayers walked throughout the night, pausing
along the way as they read the dedications or looked for luminiarias
of loved ones.
After camping out over night, the participants
enjoyed breakfast and attended the Closing Ceremony on Sunday morning.
Thanks to all of our generous sponsors and tireless volunteers. It
is thanks to your dedication and commitment that the 5th Annual Relay
For Life was such a huge success.
Picture Courtesy of the Fontana Herald News
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