Relay for Life: What it means

Relay for Life is the American Cancer Society’s nationwide signature event, and the Sonoma outing — this year on August 1 — is among the top 20 in California.

“This is more than a fundraiser, it allows us to honor cancer survivors and to remember those who have lost the battle,” said event co-leader Felice Torri.

Here, in the words of three participants,  is what it can mean:

In February 2013 I received the news I have stage 4 breast cancer and have fought ever since. One thing I so look forward to is participating in Relay for life, it has been such a uplifting event to see all the survivors walk the survivor walk and to be one of them! We are all fighting the same fight and winning this battle. Thank you to the Sonoma Valley Relay teams for all your hard work and putting on this wonderful event!!

— Dawn Matheson

In 2008 my sister Shirley (Kelly) Weil was diagnosed with Lymphoma. She bravely dealt with the endless blood tests and chemo treatments. All the while, she had the fighting spirit and good outlook, never complaining and always smiling. She was determined to not let cancer win. A year later she was in remission. We celebrated into the second year, but about eight months into it, the Lymphoma came back. Again the test, chemo, radiation. She went into remission, but it was not to be. The cycle began again, only this time her organs were affected. She lots her vision. She went through hell. This time cancer won. My sister was the bravest, strongest, most wonderful person I’ll ever know. She fought but lost. Something has to be done with this devil called cancer.

— Darlene Torri

The Relay for Life has been very special to me as I am a 19-year breast cancer survivor. This year is even more special than usual as I have started up a team for my son’s 24-year-old girlfriend Kaitlyn, who was just diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer. The event has a lot to offer for all. At the opening ceremony the feeling that comes over you is hard to explain — very emotional and exciting at the same time. It’s great to see all the survivors and their loved one’s fighting for a cure. We really are all in it together and this day proves it! If you plan to join us this year please stop by and say hello and do a lap or so for (#teamKaitlynstrong). Hope to see you there!

— Diane Merlo

The event has a few new twists, like virtual teams and less time walking the Sonoma Valley High School track. “We’ve streamlined it, as everything happens within 24 hours,” said Golly G. M cGinty, the other event co-leader.

This is how it works: A team captain gathers friends, co-workers, and family and forms a team. Team members reach out to collect contributions prior to the event. Cancer survivors are invited to walk the initial lap Saturday morning at 9 a.m. “It’s heartwarming and hopeful to see so many people who do survive cancer, who are beating the odds,” Torri said.

At dusk, after a day of entertainment, comes the luminary ceremony. Hundreds of white bags, lit from within by a candle, are placed around the track, each one dedicated in honor of a cancer survivor, or in memory of someone who died from cancer.

“It’s a very intense, very reverent moment,” Torri said. “Like the Survivor’s Walk, it’s very empowering.”

The event now begins with a Friday Evening Welcome, on July 31, featuring a movie and popcorn. Teams can come to the track anytime after 5 p.m. to set up a site, which can include lawn furniture, shade tents and so on. There will be lunch and dinner available at the track.

And as for having a team member walking the track throughout the night, that’s no longer required. In fact, as a virtual team, you can raise money without even attending the event. “But come on out,” Torri advised. “When you feel the team spirit and commitment, you’ll know we have a real shot at beating cancer.”

To learn more, sign up, donate or volunteer, go to relayforlife.org/Sonoma.