The first annual Albany Relay for Life was held on August 27th. Relay for Life is organized by the American Cancer Society with the goal of raising money.
The 24-hour-long walk around Cougar Field included over 150 participants, a DJ, and many relay teams, some of which sold cookies, painted nails, and even gave wagon rides around the track all in the hope of raising a little more money.
The Albany Unified School District provided the track and some staff for the event. Superintendent Marla Stephenson said, “Cancer is not an easy cure. It makes me remember all the teachers and children we’ve lost.” Stephenson explained that it is the district’s full intention to continue hosting this event in subsequent years.
Senior Alice Timken was truly inspired at Relay for Life, “it was great seeing the cancer survivors during the opening survivor lap.”
One dedicated survivor, James Zimmerman, walked during the entire 24 hours covering more than 65 miles around the track. Zimmerman, whose parents both died of cancer, was diagnosed with skin cancer in 2003. Now he is an official survivor and participates in many of the American Cancer Society’s events including many Relay for Life walks in the Bay Area.
“Exercise is important,” Zimmerman said, “ and walking is the most natural thing a human does.”
Overall Albany’s first Relay for Life was a great success and raised more than $40,000. The various organizers of the event hope to double next years attendance and hopefully help Albany create a larger impact in the fight against cancer.
