CELEBRATE. REMEMBER. FIGHT BACK.
Employees and family members embraced those words Aug. 2 and 3 when they voluntarily participated, as part of the depot's team Army Strong Against Cancer, in the Relay for Life event held in Susanville, Calif.
Relay for Life is the American Cancer Society's signature event. Relay participants help raise money and awareness to support the American Cancer Society in its lifesaving mission to eliminate cancer as a major health issue. The events are held overnight to represent the fact that cancer never sleeps.
This was the first year the depot has participated in this event so there were many lessons learned and great ideas gained for next year. The Army Strong team was still able, with support and contributions, to raise more than $2,400. All the money raised during this event will stay in Lassen County to be available to local cancer patients and their families.
Although the projected money goal was not obtained, the depot did reach a great milestone by having a representative from team walking around the track the entire 24 hour period.
Tim Stout, materiel handler, displayed complete dedication to this event by walking more than 60 miles in memory of his mother. Everyone has been touched by cancer in some way. Maybe they have fought the disease themselves or perhaps cared for a loved one battling cancer. The Relay for Life was a place to connect with others who understand the loss of a loved one to this disease.
Like Stout, many employees who have been touched by cancer in some way put on their walking shoes and walked around the track, even if just for one lap, to show their commitment to Fight Back and win the battle against cancer.
The most inspirational part of the event occurred during the Luminaria ceremony, where more than 800 names of cancer survivors and loved ones who lost their lives were read. A Luminaria is simply a bag filled with a glowing light that bears the name of a loved one who has battled cancer. As they glowed into the night, they lit the way for the walkers..... a path of hope.
Sierra has already taken the next step and committed to being a part of this event next year.
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