US – San Francisco RRT Feeds Relay for Life Teams
Survivors at Stand
The American Cancer Society’s website states that the Relay for Life is the world’s largest and most impactful fundraising event to end cancer. It unites communities across the globe to celebrate those who have battled and who are battling cancer, remember loved ones lost, and take action to finish the fight once and for all. The American Cancer Society helps save more than 400 lives a day, and the fight continues.
A Relay for Life event took place in Castro Valley, California on 18th July 2015. 18 teams and 135 participants took part in this event, and the RRT (San Francisco) enthusiastically offered their resources to the cause. The day started out early for the RRT, with 15 volunteers arriving to set up stands along the track at Canyon Middle School. Everything was quickly organized to the point where attendees were able to retrieve refreshments and drinks. Even the event coordinator and nearby stands around complimented how efficiently everyone at the RRT stand worked together.
The main goal of the day for the RRT was to provide breakfast to all of the cancer survivors and their families. As each participant arrived, they were give a SURVIVOR shirt, and directed to get a free breakfast from the RRT Stand.
A short while after every station was set up, an introductory speech took place in the middle of the trail, including a heartfelt speech by a local cancer doctor. After the speeches, the event kicked off with a high-energy Opening Ceremony Lap around the track, followed by a Survivors lap, then followed by the Caregivers lap. This is where everyone at the RRT stand either cheered on the walkers or handed out ice cold water bottles!
Some of the attendees were overcome with emotion in thankfulness, to experience the hospitality of the Plymouth Brethren Rapid Relief Team (RRT). Once everyone finished their laps around the track, word spread quickly where the ‘good, free food’ was, and the RRT stand was inundated with hungry, happy participants.
While the event didn’t officially end until 9:00am the following morning, the services of the RRT were only required for the first 10 hours. Over $40,000 was raised by the enthusiastic teams for this event, and it was inspiring to see the Castro Valley community so united in their fight against cancer. We look forward to supporting the American Cancer Society in future events.
