GILROY
– While watching her mom, Michelle, take the first lap at the
American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life Saturday morning, Sheena
Torres was reminded of how far her mother – and her family – has
come since receiving a diagnosis of ovarian cancer.
GILROY – While watching her mom, Michelle, take the first lap at the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life Saturday morning, Sheena Torres was reminded of how far her mother – and her family – has come since receiving a diagnosis of ovarian cancer.
“It’s something so devastating and shocking, there is no way you can prepare for it,” Torres said. “Without the support of friends and the community like the people out here today, we wouldn’t have gotten through it.”
Michelle is a cancer survivor, one of many who turned out for the sixth year of Relay for Life, where members of the community have gathered teams and spent weeks fund raising to support the fight against cancer. Many participants walked in honor of loved ones who are struggling with or have died from some form of cancer.
“When you see the survivors walk by, cheer them on … just because they’re here,” Elizabeth Bermudas encouraged.
Born and raised in Gilroy, Bermudas now anchors the ABC 7 morning news in San Francisco and donated her time to help host the 2003 relay.
“I think it’s so amazing to see the huge response and support from the community,” she said. “As you can see, everyone in some way or another has been touched by cancer.”
Bermudas includes herself in that group, considering her father Ron Bermudas of Gilroy has been cancer-free for three years.
The number of participants nearly doubled this year with 44 teams involved. The venue grew so much it was moved from Gilroy High School to its new home at Christmas Hill Park.
There wasn’t a dry eye on the field at the emotional Saturday morning ceremonies.
“Their heart and spirit runs through everyone’s blood here, and their courage is an inspiration to all,” Santa Clara County Supervisor Don Gage said as more than 80 survivors of all ages lined up to walk the symbolic first lap of the relay.
At 21, Jimmy Sergi isn’t your typical cancer survivor. Diagnosed with Hodgkin’s disease at 19, Sergi battled the disease at a young age but said it means so much to him to attend because his cancer wasn’t the only one to affect his life.
“My grandma and my aunt both died of cancer and my mother is a survivor,” he said. “It means a lot to me to participate because of my life, and many of my friends and family members whose lives have been touched by this terrible disease.”
Mayor Tom Springer found the incredible support of the community touching and officially dedicated the day “You Are Our Heroes Day.”
“It takes a whole community to fight the fight of cancer, and it’s obvious by all of you here today, Gilroy is ready,” Springer said.
One group, “The Queens for a Cure,” not only walked the relay, but they handed out free sunscreen to help prevent the cancer that brought them there in the first place – malignant melanoma.
“We’re out here making sure everyone is protected from skin cancer, too,” Janet Krulee said.
Krulee’s mother, Kittie Keahey, has been cancer-free for four years.
Ingrid Dick from the American Cancer Society said being involved with the relay has become more than just a job for her.
“Just last night, on the eve of the Gilroy relay, I got a phone call from back home in Australia informing me that my aunt was diagnosed with lung cancer,” Dick said. “Working with this community and with the relay has become a very personal thing for me.”
After a hula hoop contest, dinner provided by Mama Mia’s and the sun setting, it was time for the Luminary Ceremony. As participants walked the course in silence, candles were lit to remember those who have lost their lives from cancer, and those who still fight the constant battle with the disease. The sound of bagpipes and the lyrics of “Amazing Grace” filled the park and the hearts of all who attended.
Gilroy’s relay organizer Gabe Nino said seeing the huge turnout is the “beginnings of a beautiful city of hope.”
Nino has big plans for future relays in Gilroy and encourages everyone to come out next year and check it out.
“I often have people who can’t make it because of prior engagements like graduation parties,” Nino said. “I tell these people to bring their parties out to the relay and be thankful their daughter or son is healthy and had the opportunity to graduate.”
After a visit from Elvis at 9 a.m. and breakfast, it was time for closing ceremonies and a few touching words from a cancer survivor.
“This is my first time coming to relay,” Debbie Sanchez said. “I can honestly say I am overwhelmed by the support of the community, and being here has given me the strength to get through my last treatment.”
The relay raised roughly $100,000 this year, passing last year’s total by $20,000, which will go directly back into the Silicon Valley by providing support groups and programs for cancer patients. Coming in first place for fundrasing totals was the Rotary Club, second place was South Valley Junior High School and Goldsmith Seeds finished third.
Those who still wish to donate can call the American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345.
