|
Ana Aleman (left) and Ivy Guzman talk to grocery shoppers during the Relay For Life kick-off at Food-4-Less in Calexico on Sunday. (JOSELITO VILLERO PHOTO / November 11, 2012) |
Editor's Note: This article has been corrected.
CALEXICO — As the 2013 Relay for Life event for this city nears, American Cancer Society came together Sunday to raise awareness and money.
The Calexico Relay for Life kick off was held just outside the Food 4 Less market here, catching many shoppers’ attention.
“This year’s relay theme is Disney characters; that’s why I look the way I look,” event coordinator Sylvia Bernal said pointing to her Winnie the Pooh-inspired costume.
The annual relay helps to promote cancer awareness and raises money for cancer patients and research.
Teams participating for the relay next year sold tasty treats throughout the event to help raise the $100 needed from each team member participating in next year’s festivities.
“All the money raised goes straight to the relay,” Bernal said.
Having reached 27 teams this year, Bernal is sure they can meet their new goal for next year.
“We have about 10 teams signed up right now. Our goal is to have 30 next year,” Bernal said.
Hoping to raise the funds for Team Billy, team captain Ana Aleman sold candy apples with her friends and family for her team.
“We are doing this in honor of my brother Billy...” Aleman said.
Aleman's brother passed away earlier this year from cancer.
"We want people to know this is an organization that can help and that they are not alone," she said.
The relay will take place April 13 on Calexico High School’s field.
For information about joining a team visit www.relayforlife.org
Staff Writer Celeste Alvarez can be reached at 760-337-3442 or at calvarez@ivpressonline.com
