Cancer Never Sleeps, And Neither Will They

On Saturday, some 5,465 miles away in London, England, the greatest athletes in the world will begin competing on the greatest stage in the world, the 2012 Summer Olympic Games. But at the same time, some the most courageous athletes—and non-athletes—will begin a race that most of them probably never thought they would run.

The 2012 Relay for Life of Aliso Viejo will begin at 10:00 a.m. at Grand Park in Aliso Viejo with more than 200 participants and at least 23 teams taking turns walking or running around a path. Because cancer never sleeps, the relays are overnight events up to 24 hours in length.

Of course it’s not all walking. There are family games, activities and entertainment throughout the night, and during the luminaria ceremony the participants are invited to honor loved ones who have passed on or are fighting the disease by lighting luminaria bags and candles.

The Relay of Life can be found in most cities and is the largest fund-raising activity of the year for the American Cancer Society. Each year, more than 3.5 million people in 5,000 communities in the United States, along with additional communities in 20 other countries, take part in the relay. In California alone, more than $50 million is raised annually.

The American Cancer Society helps people to get well, stay well, find cures and fight back against cancer. Funds raised through Relay for Life help to create a world with more cancer survivors.

Every one knows someone, either in their family or close circle of friends, who has had to deal with cancer in some form. Ross Chun, the founder and CEO of Eco-Stride, has been a participant in the Aliso Viejo Relay for Life for many years, but this year’s event will have significant meaning. This year his family will be walking for Chun’s sister-in-law, Theresa, who has been touched by this terrible disease.

Here is a story Chun relayed to Patch this week:

“While I was working on my Relay for Life contribution site, I tried to upload a list of friends to ask for contributions. I somehow accidentally uploaded my entire email list of almost 2,000 names. You may also have received one of my emails asking for a donation. This was unintentional, but I learned something amazing. My list includes people I have worked for, socialized with, even clients from 10 or more years ago.

“I received donations from these folks, and well-wishes from people who I have lost touch with or not spoken to in many years. One donation came from a former client from 8 years ago. So many of these people expressed support and concern for my family, I was overwhelmed. The Relay for Life is such a worthy event, and I have learned how it can really bring people together to fight for a cause.”