Laredoans join the fight against cancer in April 1 Relay For Life at MHCS

The ninth annual Relay For Life sponsored by the American Cancer Society (ACS) Laredo-Webb County Unit will be dedicated to the caregivers of those who have been afflicted with or are surviving cancer. Set for Friday, April 1, the team-based overnight Relay will begin at 7 p.m. at Mary Help of Christians School . The event is scheduled for cancer survivors, their families, caregivers, businesses, civic organizations, and the general public.

Event chairs for the 2005 Relay For Life are the husband and wife team of Ana Rivera-Soto and Pedro Soto. Ana became involved with ACS two years ago when a family member was diagnosed and she witnessed the tremendous support that the organization provides. Pedro has been involved with the fight against cancer for the past 15 years, both professionally as director of the Sanchez Cancer Center at Laredo Medical Center , and as a volunteer with ACS for the past nine years.

Rivera-Soto said that 73 teams of 10 or more participants have signed up for the Relay for Life, twice the number that participated last year. “Each team pays a registration or commitment fee of $100,” she said. “Many of the teams pitch tents.”

The Relay begins with a luminaria ceremony at dusk. The luminarias bear the names of those who have cancer themselves or those who have been lost. Caregivers and cancer survivors begin the relay by walking the survivor's victory lap.

According to statistics, one in every four are affected by cancer. Fighting cancer takes a community effort and for the ACS, the Relay for Life is the means to fund research and support local area cancer patients and their caregivers. This celebration of life brings the community together in a unified effort to fight cancer.

“The funds raised enable us to continue our investment in the fight against cancer through research, education, advocacy, and services to patients,” said Rivera-Soto.

“Further, the Relay For Life serves as a vehicle to help us build awareness in our community about cancer and to encourage Laredoans to take up the fight,” said Pedro Soto. “The local ACS office offers a great deal of support services to cancer patients, family members, caregivers, and friends. We offer a support infrastructure for those who most need it.”

This year's sponsors include Laredo Medical Center, LareDOS, Doctors Hospital, International Bank of Commerce, Commere Bank, UNIVISION- KLDO, KGNS, KVTV, Wells Fargo Bank, Medina Electric, and Lamar Advertising, among others.

“The level of enthusiasm and patronage from the community has been phenomenal. We are proud to have so many individuals and businesses that care so much for the quality of life of all Laredoans and that want to make a difference,” said Rivera-Soto.

The American Cancer Society is the nationwide community-based voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives, and diminishing suffering from cancer, through research, education, advocacy, and services. For more information contact the American Cancer Society Office at (956) 723-9682 or 723-7933.