Relay for Life in Beaumont brings survivors together

Bob Otto, Staff Writer
Posted: 04/20/2009 12:31:25 PM PDT
Updated: 04/20/2009 03:24:36 PM PDT

BEAUMONT - One in three people will be diagnosed with cancer during their lifetime according to the American Cancer Society. Yvonne Mendoza of Beaumont is one of them. But Mendoza is also a cancer survivor - A 19-year survivor.

And on Saturday and Sunday, she along with hundreds of other survivors celebrated their survival with family, friends, and supporters during the sixth annual San Gorgonio Pass Area "Relay For Life" at Beaumont Sports Park.

But Mendoza also knows the pain that cancer can inflict on loved ones.

"I lost my mother-in-law, Rosemary Mendoza, and many friends," Mendoza said. "That is why we are out here. We never give up hope."

The American Cancer Society Relay For Life unites communities across the country to celebrate the lives of those who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and fight back against a disease that takes too much.

The statistics are staggering. Over 500,000 people die from cancer each year. About 1,500 each day. More people die from cancer than any other cause of death.

"We've got to keep fighting for a cure so our kids don't have to grow up and hear those awful words, "you've got cancer,'" Mendoza said.

Relay Manager, June Patterson, said that last year the Relay raised about $120,000 for the American Cancer Society in its quest to find a cure for the dreaded disease. This year because of the downturn in the economy, the organization lowered its sites.

"Our
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goal is $100,000," Patterson said. "We know everyone is hurting. We're here to celebrate and support our survivors."

Early Saturday afternoon, Heather Perry began setting out small, white paper bags the size of lunch bags. The bags were laid out side-by-side, one after another around much of the park's walking path. Names of loved ones who had died from cancer were written on the outside of some of the bags, with touching messages.

The relay was building toward one of its most poignant rituals: The Luminary Ceremony.

Luminaries (candles) are set in sand inside the bags as part of a special nighttime ceremony that honors the people who have faced cancer, and remember those who have been lost. When night falls, the luminaries are all lit in a touching ceremony.

"I had an uncle who died of cancer, and my step-mother is a cancer survivor," said Perry. "I'm here to honor my uncle and celebrate my step-mother's survival."