By Valerie Gutierrez

Photo By: Valerie Gutierrez Relay For Life cancer survivors take on their first lap.

EASTVALE- “You have cancer,” are those three words you never think you’ll ever hear, nor hope you will.

Mercy Campos, Christi Camacho, and Michelle Huff are only a few of the thousands of cancer survivors inspiring others to battle against the disease.

On April 30, local families, friends, business, and residents gathered at River Heights Intermediate where the American Cancer Society Relay For Life event kicked off at 9 a.m.

The opening ceremony began by the Presentation of Colors, then the National Anthem sung by Ashley Willowsby. Following was the welcome speech by Shawn Abramowitz and survivor speaker Mercy Campos.  Then, Mayor Ike Bootsma and Lieutenant Scott Forbes said a few words.

The celebration continued with fun festivities throughout the day such as an egg toss, frozen t-shirt contest, and a luminaria ceremony, among others. The event ended at 9 p.m. with a closing ceremony of Spirit of Relay.

However, the highlight of the Relay for Life was when cancer survivors were asked to walk their lap. With excitement, friends, families, and Eastvale community members cheered on those affected by the disease.

Christi Camacho is only one of the many participants that attended the event alongside her biggest supporters: her family.

It’s not only nice to have the support from your loved ones but “it’s [also] nice to have the support from the community,” said Christi Camacho, an Eastvale resident.

Photo By: Valerie Gutierrez
Together Eastvale Relay For Life cancer survivors painting the community purple.

Relay For Life is a life-changing event that gives the community the opportunity to celebrate the lives of people who have battle cancer.

Although there weren’t a lot of supporters at this year’s Eastvale Relay For Life, “It’s [still a great event] and I wish more people came out,” said Riverside resident, Michelle Huff.

According to cancer.org, each year, more than 4 million people in over 20 countries take part in this global phenomenon and raise much-need funds and awareness to save lives from cancer.

Relay For Life is the largest and most impactful fundraising event to end cancer. With the support of all the participants, teams, and donations by the community, Eastvale Relay for Life raised approximately $14,089.57 by 10 teams that participated in the event.

Photo By: Valerie Gutierrez
Mayor Ike Bootsma at the 2016 Eastvale Relay For Life, supporting families who were affected by cancer.

The top two teams that raised the most donations were “Team Pirates 4 A Cause” that raised about $10,175.00 and “Team Maria” that raised $2,540.00.

Relay For Life is an event where the community comes together to fight back against the disease however, Huff said that many still don’t “understand what we’re trying to do.”

Join Eastvale in next year’s event, as they continue to show support by painting the community purple in order to fight against cancer.