Thank you to all of the individuals who joined us on Sunday, Feb. 19 for the Eleventh 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. We had around 140 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 SCW Jazzy Poms, and a speech by cancer survivor, Joseline Molina, followed by a survivor and caregiver victory lap. The sea of purple shirts, signifying survivors, circling the track around Beardsley Park with encouraging cheers and clapping from the rest of the attendees is always 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 22 cars for us to look at. Sardella’s Pizza and Wings sponsored the event by providing dinner for the survivors and their caregivers while the Sun City West Ukulele Club entertained. Peoria Nissan, Parks and Sons, Home Instead Senior Care of Surprise, Carrie’s Healing Café, Sun Canyon Bank, SCW Foundation, Bob’s Variety-SCW, and the SCW Rec Centers also sponsored the event.

The closing ceremony was highlighted by speaker Nancy Light, followed by a quiet walk around the Beardsley Park track, lined with 450 lit luminaria bags that were dedicated by individuals to honor cancer victims who have lost, won or are fighting cancer.

The food cans that held down the luminaria bags were picked up by Valley View Food Bank at the end of the event. We were able to raise over $62,000 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 The Grand clubs to form their own teams next year, as well as local businesses. 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. A special thank you goes out to our committee that accomplished so much, especially Marilynn Shaw, who was our lead chairperson.

Donations can still be made atrelayforlife.org/suncitiesaz.

Linda Victor is the committee publicity chair for Relay for Life of the Sun Cities.