Cancer doesn’t take a holiday, but that doesn’t stop local cancer survivors from taking a moment to savor life’s sweetness – especially when ice cream is involved.

Brentwood and Oakley Relay For Life organizers recently teamed up to host a survivor’s ice cream social fundraiser at Club Los Meganos in Brentwood. Attended by more than 20 survivors and their caregivers, the event was a celebration for those who continue to battle cancer with both tenacity and grace.

“Relay For Life helps create hope by providing 50 percent of the American Cancer Society’s annual income and allowing us to fund many of their programs and services that allow us to be there for anyone who needs support,” said cancer survivor Wendy Robertson, Brentwood Relay survivor committee chairperson.

“Relay gives hope to cancer survivors by welcoming them with open arms and showing them and everyone else in attendance that there is life after cancer. For many cancer survivors, caregivers and loved ones, Relay provides focus for their fight against the disease that has already taken too much.”

Discovery Bay resident Shellie Seyer, who is battling breast cancer, shared her story with crowd, explaining what Relay means to her. The single mother, who is avidly involved in community service, has been involved in Relay for several years, but since this will be her first year as a survivor, she’s especially excited.

“The blessing in all this – and yes, there is a blessing – is that you don’t know how strong you are until you have to be, and there are so many people to reach out to,” Seyer said. “You’ve got to know when you can’t do it on your own, and the American Cancer Society is here to help.”

Relay For Life is a 24-hour event in which cancer survivors and the community take a stand against the disease. Participants form teams and pledge to keep at least one team member on the track at all times to show that the fight against cancer doesn’t take a break. Teams seek donations and all proceeds go back to the American Cancer Society.

East County hosts three annual Relays: in Oakley, Brentwood and Antioch. Oakley’s event is less than a month away, and Event Chair Tobie Meyer is planning a Relay to remember. Scheduled for April 28 and 29 at Freedom High School, Oakley’s Relay will have a 1980s theme.

“We’re encouraging our participants to come dressed in ’80s attire,” Meyer said. “There is going to be a special ’80s-themed event and then we’re going to open Club Relay, which is a tented dance area where we’ll play classic ’80s songs into the night.”

Forty teams comprising 302 participants are currently signed up for the Oakley Relay. Meyer’s goal is to sign up 55 teams. Interested participants may register their team online or during the day of the event. For more information, visit www.relayforlife.org/oakleyca.

Brentwood’s Relay For Life is scheduled for June 16 and 17 at Liberty High School. For more information, visit www.relayforlife.org/brentwoodca. Antioch’s Relay is scheduled for June 23 and 24 at Los Medanos College in Pittsburg. For more information, visit www.relayforlife.org/antiochca.

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