Hollywood Families, Friends and Businesses Used Their Hearts and Feet to Fight Cancer at American Cancer Society’s 2nd Annual “Relay For Life of Hollywood”
On Saturday, August 7th, 2010, 9:00 am, dedicated walkers went around the clock in the battle against cancer at the American Cancer Society’s 2nd annual Relay For Life of Hollywood. Hosted by the American Cancer Society, along with 2010 Honorary Chair and LA City Council President, Eric Garcetti, and 2010 Honorary Co-Chair and City of West Hollywood Councilmember, Lindsey Horvath, the life-changing event raised funds to support the American Cancer Society’s patient services, critical cancer research, community education programs, and advocacy efforts.
The Relays are 24-hour, overnight events in homage to all the patients, survivors, caregivers, medical staff, families, and friends who battle cancer on a constant basis.
Over the two days, 300 cancer survivors, caregivers, and supporters congregated at the Helen Bernstein High School to celebrate the lives of those who triumphed over cancer, remember loved ones lost, and empower each other to fight back against this terrible disease. With the support and fundraising efforts of these dedicated Relayers, the Hollywood Relay For Life was a hug success – raising over $30,000 to support the invaluable services of the American Cancer Society.
Emceed by Josie Lauren from the TV show “Make It Or Break It”, the Opening Ceremony featured heartening speeches from Senator Curren Price, Councilmember Horvath, Councilmember Tom LaBonge, and actor Philip Anthony-Rodriguez from the TV show “Secret Life of the American Teenager,” as well as from a young cancer survivor who told her inspirational story of strength, faith, and victory.
Clad in their purple Relay Survivor shirts, the cancer survivors then took to the track for the Survivors Lap, an emotional and joyous event that celebrated the courage of those who faced cancer and won. Upon completion of their lap, the survivors were awarded medals by celebrities Jake Pavelka, Philip Anthony-Rodriguez, HRH Princess Theodora of Greece and Denmark, Brandon Molale, Efren Ramirez, Jason Rosell, Nicole Malgarini, George Gray, Danny Arroyo and Gary Garver.
The rest of the event featured live performances by several bands, such as the CORE, games, and fun activities which motivated and entertained the Relayers throughout the day and into the night. In the evening, the Luminaria Ceremony featured candles bearing the names of cancer patients placed around the track – honoring and memorializing their lives. The event closed the next day with the upbeat Fight Back Ceremony, which urged the audience to continue the yearlong fight against cancer and to live a healthy, positive life with the agenda of reducing the risk of the cancer.
The American Cancer Society is dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem, saving lives, diminishing suffering, and preventing cancer through research, education, advocacy and service. Since 1913, the American Cancer Society has contributed over $3.2 billion toward cancer research. For more information, please visit www.cancer.org.
For more information about Relay For Life of Hollywood, please visit www.RelayForLife.org/hollywoodca.
Photo by: Lindsey Rowe
