Oakley revs up for Relay

In keeping with this year’s Hawaiian theme, participants will be treated to hula lessons, a ukelele performance and Hawaiian-themed laps throughout the day. Live entertainment will be provided by Jeff Edwins, Joey Fender and the 55’s, and Damn Dirty Apes.

Relay For Life began in 1985 when Dr. Gordy Klatt, a Tacoma, Wash. colorectal surgeon, decided to walk a track for 24 hours to raise money for his local American Cancer Society office. He completed 83 miles and raised more than $27,000. During the event, friends paid $25 to spend 30 minutes walking the track with him. Over the course of the event, 300 people joined Klatt on his quest, and the concept for Relay For Life was born. Today, more than 4 million people in 20 countries lace up their walking shoes in support of cancer research.

Each Relay For Life event includes three ceremonies: Celebrate, Remember and Fight Back.

During the first lap, Relay participants line the track and Celebrate the cancer survivors who take the track and display their courageous refusal to back down in the battle against cancer. At dusk, the Remember portion of the event begins. All Relay participants walk a silent lap in honor of those who have lost their battles with cancer. It’s a time of reflection and remembrance. The following morning, the all the Relay participants assemble on the track on last time to pledge to continue to Fight Back against cancer throughout the year.

During the event, teams set up booths to host fundraisers and activities. There is something for everyone, whether you’re a cancer fighter, survivor, caregiver or friend.

“Relay is inspirational, fun-filled, exciting and emotional,” Billings said. “I started as a participant four years ago not knowing what to expect, and now I’m heading up the whole thing! You get hooked.”

For cancer survivor Debbie Bordeau, Relay For Life has an extra special meaning. “I truly think it was my past experience with Relay for Life that gave me the confidence to be as strong and as positive as I was throughout my cancer diagnosis and treatments,” she said. “I continued to teach (at Laurel Elementary) throughout my chemo. I wore my hats and scarfs proudly, and I never for one moment thought of myself as a victim. I thank Relay for giving me the hope and perspective I needed to be a warrior. It’s an amazing event.”

Bordeau serves as Oakley Relay survivor chair this year, focusing on making the Relay experience memorable for her fellow survivors and their supporters.

“There’s something very special that takes place at a Relay,” she said. “It’s a feeling of community, determination, love and above all, hope. For 24 hours, a community comes together with a shared vision – a shared desire – a common bond. It’s not very often in today’s world that we have that. Relay is a special event. You’ll laugh; you’ll cry. Most importantly, you’ll leave inspired.”

This year, Oakley Relay organizers hope to raise $100,000. There is still time to register to participate or sign up to be a volunteer. For more information, visit www.relayforlife.org/oakleyca or e-mail Billings at fightbackgirl@gmail.com.