Relay for Life Combats Cancer

Kelly Russo knows the pain that cancer can bring to a family. Her mother is a survivor of melanoma, and nearly everyone she knows has been touched in some way by cancer.

Nearly 572,000 people die of the disease every year, according to the American Cancer Society, which Russo works for as a senior manager in the Beach Cities division. 

"It’s hard to meet someone who hasn't been affected by cancer. That's why I do my job," Russo said. "It all hits close to home."

The , now celebrating more than 10 years of raising awareness and funding for cancer research, will be held this weekend over 24 straight hours.

The event starts at 9 a.m. Saturday at Alta Vista Elementary School, 815 Knob Hill Ave., Redondo Beach. It will end at 9 a.m. Sunday.

Nearly 40 teams have already signed up, culling donations of almost $54,000.

But "you can come day of and have a team," Russo said. "The door is always open."

Registrants pay a $10 entry fee, and each individual's prospective goal is to raise $100, but Russo said there is no penalty for not reaching that amount.

The relay concept, which originated in 1985 when Dr. Gordy Klatt of Washington state walked around a track to garner money for the American Cancer Society, now boasts 5,000 events across the United States and 19 satellite happenings around the world.

Team members take turns, over the course of 24 hours, circling a track as bystanders, vendors and entertainers support them.

The event consists of three ceremonies, Russo said. First, cancer survivors, dressed in purple shirts, take a victory lap around the track.

"Our survivors are the celebrities," Russo said.

Second, a remembrance ceremony honors those "who are no longer with us or are going through treatment right now," Russo said. The lap is often silent or accompanied by a bagpipe player. "It's a great way for all of them to cope... a part of the healing process."

Mourners can also purchase luminaria bags for $10 to pay respects to their loved ones affected by cancer.

Then, the Fight Back portion of the program enlists speakers to encourage participants to continue their dedication to the cause.

Hermosa Beach resident and two-time cancer survivor  was the featured speaker at last year's event.

Among the entertainers for this year's daylong event in Redondo Beach is a group who has been fighting back against cancer through a creative outlet.

Too Much Fun, from Yorba Linda, is a competitive kite-flying team whose members have been running in their local Relays for Life for years. It's all been for one little boy who's very special to the team.

"Our son Ben was diagnosed with Ewings sarcoma at age 5. He has been through a lot and is now doing well," said Too Much Fun's Mark Lummas via email. "We have been flying kites for over 17 years and our son flies too.  ... Kite routines will be short pieces to music, flown on very short lines."

Other performers throughout the day include salsa/R&B artist Cuba Swift, folk rockers Hangdog Expression and hip-hop dancer Milo Levell.

Russo emphasized how pleased she is every year to see the community uniting over the cause. She said that she is certain this weekend's participants and honorees will feel that same bond.

For more information, visit RelayforLife.org/BeachCitiesCA or call 310-348-0356. You can also email event coordinator Katrina Serrano at myscwbailey@aol.com.