The Eighth Annual American Cancer Society Relay for Life in Sun City West was a success.
Thank you to all of the individuals who joined us Feb. 23 for the Eighth Annual American Cancer Society Relay for Life of the Sun Cities event at Beardsley Park in Sun City West. The weather was perfect this year, after a very rainy and windy Saturday.
We had 224 participants. It was a fun day of walking, visiting, food, raffles and music, but more importantly, it was a day to raise money to fight cancer, and honor those who have lost, won or are fighting this disease.
The opening ceremony included the American Legion presentation of colors, a performance by the Sun City West Jazzy Poms and a speech by cancer survivor Jim Palzer, followed by a survivor and caregiver victory lap. The sea of purple shirts circling the track around Beardsley Park with encouraging cheers and clapping from the rest of the attendees is always very moving.
The SCW Broadcast Club, KSCW, provided music and announcements throughout the day. John Hodgson played his guitar and sang. The Automotive/Restoration Club provided cars for us to look at. Sardella’s Pizza and Wings sponsored the event by providing dinner for the survivors and their caregivers — close to 120. Peoria Nissan, Home Instead Senior Care, Sun City West Foundation, Independent Newsmedia, Sun Canyon Bank and the Recreation Centers of Sun City West also sponsored the event.
The closing ceremony was highlighted by speaker Jay Sherwood, followed by a quiet walk around the Beardsley Park track lined with 650 lit luminaria bags that were dedicated by individuals to honor cancer victims who have lost, won or are fighting cancer. We were able to raise over $68,000 to help with cancer research and services to cancer patients. We will be repeating this event next year, so plan to attend, join the committee, donate or become one of our sponsors.
I’m calling on Sun City, Sun City West and Sun City Grand clubs to form their own teams next year. Help us to continue to grow. Most of us are touched by cancer somewhere in our lives — family, friends, neighbors or ourselves. One person does make a difference. Check our website for information, relayforlife.org/suncitiesaz.
A special thank you goes out to our committee that accomplished so much, especially Marilynn Shaw, who was our chairwoman. Donations can still be made at relayforlife.org/suncitiesaz.
