Over $18,000 has been raised so far for the 13th annual Citrus Heights Relay for Life event. Members of 20 relay teams from businesses, non-profits and the City of Citrus Heights took turns running and walking laps around the McArthur Ballfield at San Juan High School Saturday, June 11 to raise money to help fight the growing scourge of cancer it all its forms.

The opening ceremony included greetings from Relay Co-founders Diane Ebbitt and Bill Van Duker who spoke of their meager beginnings in 2004 with only three committee members to the event in 2016. Vice Mayor Jeff Slowey told of his own successful battle with cancer as he has been cancer free for sixteen months. However, he shared that two other city council members are presently battling cancer reinforcing the number of people we all know who are touched by cancer, and the need to fund cancer education, research, advancements in care of patients and the eventual cure of the disease.

Over two hundred survivors, caregivers, family members and friends, along with organizations also raising funds and sharing information on different cancers participated in the day which began at 11 a.m. and ended at 11 p.m.

Highlights of the day and evening included the presentation of Survivor Medals by Sac Metro Fire District Paramedic Captain Robert Bruce to cancer survivors, in celebration of their having fought the hard fight and come back to their families and friends. Survivors also share with those newly diagnosed with others fighting cancer themselves. Caregivers of cancer patients, past and present were awarded sashes and recognized for what it takes to give of themselves in their care of all those they have cared for: those in remission, those still bravely battling their cancer and those who have lost their battle.

Pageant queens, princesses, and ambassadors with West Coast Pageants handed out the sashes to the caregivers and helped in may capacities where needed throughout the event. A generous brunch was catered by Sammy’s Restaurant.

A favorite booth was the Citrus Height’s dunking tank featuring Sgt. Jason Baldwin who was dunked many times by young and old alike. Each paid $1a ball to hit the orange target and dunk the Baldwin. Over $160 was collected which represents 160 attempts made to dunk him.

The high energy music of all genres by Mark von Thaden of Skool DJ, kept walkers and runners motivated for 12 hours as they circled the field including music for the Congo Line Lap, the Superhero Lap and 70’s Disco Lap. With darkness hundreds of luminaries surrounded field creating a somber but hopeful mood as illuminated white bags spelled out the words “Hope” and “Cure” high in the stands. Bags were purchased for $10 each in memory of those lost to cancer and to honor survivors.

Donations are still being collected by teams towards the final goal of $20,000. If you would like to donate, mail your donation to C at 1545 River Park Dr. Suite 100, Sacramento, CA 95815, or contact Tamika Stove with the American Cancer Society at [email protected].