The city of Stanton went purple last week – symbolic for the “Relay for Life” that was held Saturday at Stanton City Park.
The city of Stanton went purple last week – symbolic for the “Relay for Life” that was held Saturday at Stanton City Park.
The purple painting started Tuesday, Aug. 6, at 5 p.m. when city leaders and the leaders of the annual Relay for Life met at the Boys and Girls Club of Stanton and began putting up purple signs and tying large purple ribbons and bows on light poles and anything that a bow would fit around.
City Hall was also abuzz that evening with Relay for Life Chair Barbara Conibear and Co-chair Sara Neal-Brandt in the lead. Even Mayor David Shawver's red pickup truck (with permission of course) wasn't out of the reach of the purple paint.
Lots of smiles were shared as groups helped to tie purple bows – even adorning themselves with purple bows and businesses throughout the city put up bows and signs in support of the annual event, which is held to raise awareness and money to fight cancer.
Then, Saturday morning, Aug. 10, 26 teams began the 24-hour-walk around the park, with some camping overnight and the Orange County Fire Authority came by for a visit.
Lots of youth were in attendance this year, some of which included the Men's League from Bolsa Grande High School in Garden Grove, whose purpose is to give community service at different venues throughout the year. This year, they also arranged for the Fleetlines Car Club of Southern California to have a display of vintage vehicles, which were restored Chevrolets from 1949 to 1957.
Eleven-year-old Declan led those in attendance in the Pledge of Allegiance and the National Anthem was sung by a Stanton Boys and Girls Club member Mikayla, 13.
The Stars and Stripes were presented by the AMVETS Legion of Honor including Capt. Ivan Ashbaugh, Jeff Bardzik and Fred Schreiber.
Food for the day was provided by 25 local restaurants, individual families and many more volunteers, too many to list here but very much appreciated.
"This is our fourth annual Relay for Life and it's going to be a success because it's a collaboration with the city and the relay; without you here today, this would not be happening,” Shawver said as he thanked the volunteers and those who made donations.
Breakfast omelets were superbly prepared by Jason Simmons, who is currently attending the Long Beach Culinary Arts School while working at Disneyland part time, with a goal of opening his own restaurant in the future. Simmons and his brother are both Eagle Scouts.
Each of the council members offered a few comments, saying how each of their lives had been touched by cancer.
Mayor Pro tem Al Ethans said that 13 years ago, his wife was affected by cancer and is now a survivor; Councilman Brian Donahue said three months ago his wife had a bout with cancer and Councilwoman Carol Warren told of a healthy 37-year-old friend, Jason, who was on a trip to Singapore when he suddenly dropped to the ground and that's when they found he had brain cancer. He is now fighting for his life.
“This event has grown each year in hopes of finding a cure for cancer,” Warren said.
The council members held signs saying, “Jason, we're thinking of you,” to be included in a memory book to cheer Jason on.
“I couldn't be more proud than to be here today with you,” said Councilman Rigoberto “Rigo” Ramirez. “Have fun; remember those who lost their battle and celebrate those who are here.”
The Reverend Danh Trinh from St. Polycarp Catholic Church gave the opening prayer.
“Thank you God, who is the source of life, for gathering us here today. Thank you for the young men and women who have volunteered to serve and may you bless our relay today and comfort those who have cancer.”
The Survivor Lap was led by Stanton's Sam's Club employee and cancer survivor Robert Davis, who is still fighting the dreaded disease.
Davis said in 2009 he was diagnosed with cancer but has been able to keep it under control with various treatments.
“I was involved in the Stanton Relay for Life before I was diagnosed with cancer,” Davis said. “I am fortunate to have a very good built-in support group with my Sam's Club Associates, plus my mom and dad who help me by shopping and cleaning for me.”
The thought with the Relay for Life is that everyone has someone who has been touched by cancer and so by banding together as a group, the battle with cancer can be won.
The American Cancer Society Relay for Life is a life-changing experience that gives people in communities across the nation and around the world a chance to celebrate the lives of people who have battled cancer, or remember a loved one lost, and to fight back against the disease.
The event featured entertainment and activities all day long with a DJ.
There was a Luminaria Ceremony Saturday evening and a Fight Back/Closing ceremony Sunday morning.
Luminarias honor loved ones in their battle against cancer and they burn throughout the evening, lighting up the night.
The Luminaria Ceremony is one of the most moving and inspirational parts of the two-day event.
Survivors are the reason Relay for Life’s are held; Relay for Life is a way to remember and honor those touched by cancer.
During a relay, people can find healing, comfort and support from others who are facing or have faced cancer.
For information about Stanton’s Relay for Life, visit www.relayforlife.org/stantonca.
