Several weeks ago Dr. Kelly Herta of Aligned Health Chiropractic approached our local BNI chapter (Team Gold) and recommended that we participate as a group in our city's Relay for Life. With Dr. Kelly at the forefront our group began to learn about the Amercian Cancer Society's grass roots effort, which is an event that started in the mid 80's when Dr. Gordy Klatt of Seattle, WA decided to run for 24 hours in an effort to raise funds for his local chapter of the American Cancer Society. In just a few short weeks our BNI Chapter began to raise funds, coordinate schedules for the 24 hour event, and helped to raise awareness about this great opportunity to contribute to the ongoing efforts to find a cure for cancer.
The event was an amazing experience that brought the community of Santa Clarita together to celebrate life in honor of, or in memory of, anyone that has been affected by cancer. With over 10.5 Million cancer survivors and 1.3 million new cases each year, just about everyone has a friend or family member that has had to fight the cancer battle. 
The mission and cause for the event is clearly defined, but the core of it is rooted in giving inspiration, love and support to cancer patients and survivors everywhere. The SCV relay for life has become, and continues to be, a catalyst for breathing new life and hope into those people that are currently sufferning with this ongoing killer.
The event opened early Saturday morning with the survivors walk. A parade around the park with cancer survivors providing living testament that we can beat this disease, and that together we will find ways to rid the world of cancer. The survivors shared their story on the center stage and each talked about their own personal experiences of physical and emotional pain. While their stories varied a common bond was prevalent as they all share an amazing zest and spirit for life and in living it to the fullest.
I had the pleasure of meeting some amazing cancer survivors who gave me personal insight as to how this disease affected them and their families, and how it has become their own personal quest and mission in life to stop this disease in its tracks. Their convictions are strong, and they stand ready like soldiers, to help other cancer patients win their own battle. People like, Colleen Shaffer who will continue her own battle with breast cancer everyday for the rest of her life, yet has found ways to take control of her life and turn this disease into a positive energy that can help others. Shortly after her chemo-therapy and radiation treatment Colleen walked 60 miles in 3 days and went on to found an organization called Circle of Hope. The organization's purpose is to serve those who may be under-insured or lack financial resources to get the medical treatment they need and to educate about the fears and misconceptions of cancer. It's the only non-profit organization of its type that serves the North LA county area.
I also met Analisa Marquez O'Rullian whose book "The 11th Hour Miracles" tells her story of beating the odds with Leukemia and describes what it was like for her to undergo a bone marrow transplant. Her story goes well beyond that of medical treatment and the disease itself. It's a story of how her miracle was a spirtual event rooted in family love, her faith in God, and how she worked with committed doctors who were also as driven as she to find a cure.
The entire event was full of people like Colleen and Analisa that continue to sound the drum against cancer until it is gone. The collective energy of this grass roots event has a clear message. "Failure is not an option, we need to stop cancer." Everyone that I spoke to had the same fire in their eyes that tells you how serious they are about this cause.
The festivities of the day continued in a fun and playful way until the main event started at about 9pm. The luminaria walk. This was a solemn and respectul tribute and rememberance to all those who lost the lives to cancer and a chance for all in the community to come together in support of one another. The pathways were lined with candlelit bags that had been decorated by families. People shared stories, they cried, they comforted one another and most importantly they memorialized their lost family and friends.
The Relay for Life is a yearly event in Santa Clarita and it will continue to grow stronger each year as new survivors, families and businesses join together to find a cure so that someday cancer will be viewed as a thing from the past much like the Polio disease.
I urge you that regardless of where you live, find your American Cancer Society and get involved. Check to see if your local city is hosting a Relay for Life and if it is, make it a point to attend and participate. The battle against cancer is not just a medical issue. It is about awareness, support, spirituality and understanding. 
In closing, I want to thank all of the people that made SCV Relay for Life event possible and worked so hard to help others. Teresa Kerr the co-chair of this event is always looking for new volunteers to help make this event even bigger and better. If you would like to participate in this event or would like to host a similar event within your own commuity, please click here to contact Teresa Kerr.
Martin Rodriguez
Sage Commercial Capital
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