On Friday, April 20, Relay for Life was held on University Boulevard in order to commemorate the survivors, honor those who’ve passed away, and raise money to help those with cancer.
All sides of the boulevard were filled with tents, BBQ pits, chairs, and games for the people who attended the event in the name of a good cause.
“This is an event that the community pulls together for,” began Chair of the Kleberg County-Bishop Relay For Life Jackie Flores, “we get a lot of support from different areas from restaurants, to businesses, to just people in general.”
In the middle of the festivities stood a lone tent that was meant exclusively for those who have survived cancer. They were given a meal, played games, as well as were given free shirts and received the privilege of taking the first lap of the evening.
“We see the same faces every year, and that just gives us so much joy because that just means they have another year to celebrate that they are cancer free,” said Relay Chair of Kleberg County-Bishop Relay For Life Survivor Committee Diana Zavala.
The survivors proudly took the first lap as they were each named individually to be honored for their bravery and perseverance in the face of adversity.
Many believe that this event is important not just for its celebration, but also its spreading of awareness and information.
“Before I had cancer, I didn’t know what was going on,” said cancer survivor Sylvia Granado Garza.
Many individuals who are diagnosed with cancer have no idea how to react, what to do next, and where to get treatment. Relay For Life helps inform people about how to get help during a difficult time in someone’s life.
This event brings together many people from all walks of life, one of which was Glenda Young, from Houston who has completed eight 60-mile walks for the breast cancer foundation Susan G. Komen. Young has been across the nation, walking in places such as Chicago, Boston and San Diego.
She walks this much for her friend since kindergarten Ronny Jo, who passed away eight years ago. Young immediately began choking up at the mention of her name.
“The year that she died I decided I had to do something,” Young said.
She travels from city to city to raise awareness, raise money, and continue to tell the story of her best friend to the people who are going through the same thing, and give them the support they need.
Music blared, food was consumed, people walked, all in the name of ensuring a brighter future, and giving people with cancer a fighting chance.