Redlands Walks to End Cancer

While many stayed in bed on the cloudy morning of April 25, many others took part in Redlands’ 24-hour Relay for Life. The event took place this last Saturday through Sunday at Redlands’ East Valley high school. Although the event did not kick off until 9:30 a.m, many came early to enjoy the free breakfast provided by Fish for a Cure. The Relay was hosted by the American Cancer Society, who, among other cancer-prevention techniques, promotes eating healthy as a way of preventing cancer. Relay for Life's Mike Ballinger welcomed everyone to the event once the “Celebrate Ceremony” started and spoke a little about Relay for Life and all the good it does to help find a cure for cancer. The highlight of the morning was when Bjorn Madrid announced that in his 10 years of working at Relay for Life in Redlands, this year was the first year that they received a presenting sponsor. He explained that this means that one of the teams was able to raise over $10,000. Additionally, Mountain West Financial was able to raise about $12,000 for Relay for Life and the American Cancer Society. The first lap honored cancer survivors and their care-takers. The rest of the participants gathered around the starting line and cheered the walkers as they kicked off the Relay. There were many proud survivors among the group, as well as participants walking in place of survivors, such as Brandon Best, who was walking for his aunt. Best's grandmother, Brenda Collins, explained that his aunt is currently undergoing chemotherapy and described her as a “fighting diva.” The motto of the Relay is “celebrate, remember, and fight back,” explained Cheryl Bartetzko, a Relay for Life representative. Celebration is when participants honor those who survived cancer. As dusk falls, luminaria - or hand-decorated paper lanterns, light the track in remembrance of those who have lost their battle with cancer, lighting the walking path as a symbol of hope for those still fighting. Fight back is the part where many donate, including vendor booths set up at East Valley High. Vendors, like Starbucks, sell good and then donate their proceeds to the American Cancer Society. Bartezko further explained that the organization helps recovering patients with programs to make them feel better and for example more beautiful, when they lose their hair as a result of chemotherapy. She shared that this organization is near to her heart because many of her family members have gone through a battle with cancer. She said she looks forward to the day her grandchildren will be able to say, “What’s cancer?”