Relay will help provide funds for cancer research
By Sylvie Belmond belmond@theacorn.com

Doc Dewberry

Although everyone knows someone who has been diagnosed with cancer, no one has to stand idly by in the face of such adversity, said Tammy Schultz, cochair of team captains for the 2008 Moorpark Relay for Life.

Friends, family and neighbors can aid those with the disease by participating in the Relay for Life and thus helping to pay for research to find a cure for cancer.

"I think that's one of the best gifts you can give to someone," Schultz said, "to step in and help them fight this disease by helping to raise money for cancer research in hopes that one day there will be a cure."

Miracle drugs and other cancerfighting tools can add precious years to the lives of individuals with cancer. Advances have been made possible in part by donations from the 60 teams and 486 participants who've so far donated more than $37,000 to the local American Cancer Society Relay for Life in Moorpark.

"I feel so blessed that I have all these wonderful people fighting for me and working for me," said Terri Friefeld, who was recently diagnosed with ovarian cancer.

Friends of the local mother of two have formed a team called TBones Corner, which has gathered $9,000 in donations to date.

"The relay demonstrates that there is hope and it means so much to people who are battling cancer," said Friefeld, who is currently undergoing chemotherapy. "Cancer makes you live on a day-to-day basis and it makes you be grateful for what you have," she said.

Friefeld and about 100 other local survivors will launch the 24-hour event at Moorpark High School.

"The American Cancer Society Relay for Life represents the hope that those lost to cancer will never be forgotten, that those who face cancer will be supported, and that one day cancer will be eliminated," said Doc Dewberry, chair of the 2008 Moorpark Relay, who was 12 when he lost his mother to cancer.

Last year's local event raised $175,000 and organizers hope to top that figure this year.

The Moorpark Relay for Life was recently presented with the prestigious "Million Dollar Club" award, having raised more than $1 million for research, advocacy and

patient services since the inception of the event in Moorpark in 2000, Dewberry said.

The 2008 event will feature more teams, cancer survivors, entertainment and vendors than ever before.

Those interested in participating can still sign up, Dewberry said. Individuals can contact him at (805) 529-8385. To sign up for a team, or for event information. visit www.events.cancer.org/ rflmoorparkca.

The Moorpark Relay for Life will begin at 10 a.m. Sat., May 31 at the stadium at Moorpark High School, 4500 Tierra Rejada Road. The luminaria ceremony will be at 8 p.m.

This year's theme is "American Heroes Fight Back!" and honors cancer survivors, law enforcement and firefighters. Mayor Patrick Hunter will speak at the opening ceremony.