Alameda Relay for Life Raises $50K+ for Cancer Research, Care

‘Island Dreams’ theme included tropical attire, focus on skin cancer prevention, and free sunscreen

Alameda’s annual cancer research fundraiser, Relay for Life , was held on Saturday, July 20, at Leydecker Park . The event celebrates cancer survivors, remembers loved ones lost to cancer, and raises funds to help the American Cancer Society improve the lives of people with cancer and their families.

Alameda’s relay, which is the longest-serving Relay for Life in California, started at 10 a.m. and ended at 10 p.m., featuring multiple commemorations of cancer survivors, patients, caregivers, and those who have lost their lives to the disease.

Alameda Relay for Life has been held at various venues in Alameda throughout the years. This year, visitors at Leydecker Park were encouraged to join in the walk, pledge donations, and purchase a luminaria to light up the night.

The theme was Island Dreams, with hourly events ranging from Aloha and Purple Rain laps to a “Put Cancer On Ice” contest in which teams dressed a member in a frozen T-shirt, followed by a Beat Breast Cancer Lap, for which participants wore decorated brassieres to highlight regular screenings.

The relay emphasized the danger of skin cancers and provided educational materials, sunscreen, and lip protection. A Crazy Hat lap featured fun headgear to protect wearers from UV rays.

As the relay got closer to its conclusion, the activities included a Glow Lap to emphasize bringing light into darkness, a Voice of Hope speaker, an Empty Table Reflection, and finally the Luminaria Ceremony & Lap of Remembrance, in which participants walked silently as beautiful hand-crafted luminaria, marked with the names of loved ones, lit the path.

Many local businesses and associations contributed money and in-kind donations. A total of 14 teams participated in the Alameda Relay for Life effort, raising a total of over $50,000. All funds go to the American Cancer Society to support survivors, patients, and their families.

Alameda Kiwanis member Denise Gasti anchored We Walk As One, a team of friends, family, and other Kiwanians. Among those in the walk were Jenn and Thomas Cobb, who honored Jenn’s mother Barbara Capon as they walked with her photograph. The team earned a silver award for raising at least $3500 in donations.

Event sponsors included Alameda Hospital , Alameda Municipal Power , Bae Boats, Cemex, Digifli, Dragon Rouge, Grand Marina, Kevin Kennedy, McDermott Costa, Mosley’s Café, Safeway South Shore, Starbucks, and Tuckers Ice Cream.

About Relay For Life

Relay For Life is a locally-based fundraising event of the American Cancer Society. It is about community spirit, resilience, and making an impact for friends, family, and others.

The event began in Tacoma, Washington, in 1985, when colorectal surgeon Dr. Gordy Klatt wanted to enhance the Cancer Society’s local fundraising efforts. He spent 24 hours circling the track at the University of Puget Sound, covering a distance of 83 miles and raising $27,000 through pledges.

The success of Klatt’s solo event inspired others, and Relay For Life events started popping up across the United States, spreading to more than 27 countries and raising billions of dollars. Each event typically involves teams of participants who take turns walking or running around a track or a designated path relay-style, symbolizing that cancer never sleeps.

Beyond fundraising, Relay For Life has become a powerful symbol of hope and solidarity for those affected by cancer. It provides a platform for survivors to celebrate life, for caregivers to offer support, and for communities to unite in the fight against cancer.

The funds raised by the event support a wide range of American Cancer Society programs, including groundbreaking cancer research, free lodging and transportation for cancer patients undergoing treatment, and education and prevention initiatives.

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