• printer friendly
• mail this article
• iPod format
• digg

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.