our appreciation and thanks to - relay for life
TRANSCRIPT
Happy February everyone! We want to thank all of you who have made the decision to get involved in Relay For Life of Salinas 2016 and fight back against cancer. We are thrilled to share this experience with you. January was a good month for Salinas Relay. We continued to build our lead-ership team, held our first team captain meeting and the best Relay kick-off ever at Northridge Mall. We entered into some very exciting relationships with the community for media and event support and we registered teams. As of today we have registered 74 teams and 318 participants, with more registering each week. We are ready to Relay! To get you ready to Relay, we want to share the following team tips to guide you to a successful start to your Relay season.
Get excited! Enthusiasm is contagious. Arrange an employee presentation or team meeting. We can help you with that, just ask! Build your team. Recruit your family and friends, co-workers and neighbors, fellow
worshipers. Who wouldn't want to share in the excitement of Relay? Dedicate your team to a cancer survivor (who you've also recruited for your team) or in
memory of a loved one. What better way to show your support for these individuals than to tell their story.
Set team goals for individual and online fundraising, team members, survivors, etc. Hold fundraisers and get the word out! Create posters, email people in your contact list, use
our website to post fundraisers. Are you a social media aficionado? Well, what are you waiting for? Tell the world about your Relay efforts!
Motivate your team. Offer challenges for recruiting survivors, fundraising efforts, car raffle and business card supporter sales, etc.
Attend team captain meetings. Here is where you can meet other members of our Relay family and build relationships with people just like you who are in this fight to the finish. You'll be amazed at all the great tips and information you will pick up at these 1 hour meetings. Yes, that's right! One hour per month! We value your time as much as you do.
Have fun with our theme, "When You Wish Upon a Cure Amazing Things Can Happen". Make the magic happen.
To create a vision you have to dream. Dare to wish upon a cure with us as we enter this Relay season of 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. Robin Pearce Kathy Huggins Event Leads 2016
Our appreciation and thanks to:
KDON DJ Showbiz for sharing your Saturday with us! You did a great job as Emcee for our Kickoff Event!
Natasha & Michael, Professional Shutterologist & Photobooth Services, for bringing your Photo Booth to Kickoff and donating your time—it was a big hit!
Alvarez Technology Group for your video and technical support!
Best Buy for providing television monitors!
National Charity League for providing our amazing volunteers!
And Sam Linder Honda and The Car Lot for their sponsorship of the Event!
Congratulations to all our winners!
Sheila Doyle-Rickenbacker (Survivor Winner) $100
Alicia Garcia (Participant Winner) $100 gift card
Isiah Abad (Scavenger Hunt Winner) $300
Almost all of us have been touched by cancer in some way, so we've decided to make a difference by walk-ing and raising money in the American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Salinas event. The California Rodeo Salinas has been participating in Relay for Life since 2004. The team was started by the late Lee Brooks who was the Director of Parking for many years for the California Rodeo Association. He was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2004 and fought long and hard until his passing in March of 2007. Lee used to have 10 baseball caps embroidered each year with "Rope in a Cure" and would auction them off to raise money to cancer.
Tonya Linares has been the team captain since 2008, and is proud to keep up the fight for Lee and for eve-ryone who has been touched by cancer. Tonya lost her biological father at a young age, and her stepfather passed away in 2006. Seeing what cancer does keeps our team “Roping in a Cure”. From 2004 to 2014, the California Rodeo’s Relay for Life of Salinas Team has raised over $40,000 for the American Cancer Socie-ty.
Currently we have 3 team members who are cancer survivors—Elsa Chavez, Alice Urquides and Vicky Cruz—and we are proud to continue the fight with them. We all keep in contact with each other, not spe-cifically with meetings but through personal phone calls, gathering for support and helping each other with fundraisers from ideas we have.
Our fundraisers are continuous, with a BBQ for our rodeo crew with donations, homemade items for raffle
that have ranged from a custom hot iron branded cooler, to a custom welded firepit, to several handmade
quilts, and we’ve auctioned homemade jams and jellies. We’re not done yet—there’s more to come!
If you've dropped by the American Cancer Society (ACS) office in Salinas, you've probably seen Vicki Young. She has no doubt greeted you with her welcoming smile and her warm, friendly spirit. Vicki moved to the area in 1993. In 1997, she was a day-of-event volunteer with Relay For Life of Salinas, lighting luminaria bags before our Luminaria Ceremony. Looking back on it now, she says that God puts you where you're supposed to be. That night, as she was lighting the luminaria bags, a little boy asked her if she was going to keep the bags lit, and pointed out a bag dedicated in memory of his mother. Vicki assured the boy she would keep the bag lit, and stayed nearby, armed with her lighter, to make sure the wind did not blow out the bag's can-dle.
That experience touched her so deeply that she knew she had to become more involved with Relay. For the next few years, she assisted with Hospitality in the Survivor Tent, serving at the Survivor Luncheon, and helping and encourag-ing our survivors in any way she could. Who knew she was going to become a Survivor herself! Fast forward a few years to April 2005 when Vicki married her husband, Gary, and was enjoying wedded bliss. Just two months later though, in June, Vicki found a lump in her breast. She contacted her doctor immediately, and a biopsy confirmed she had breast cancer. Vicki says that, hearing the diagnosis, it was as if she were in a bubble, while everyone else was living a "normal" life. She went through each day of her cancer journey in her bubble, and just kept thinking "I want to be normal." Thankfully, with chemotherapy, the lump disappeared. However, Vicki also underwent a lumpectomy and radiation, to ensure her cancer was completely eradicated. At Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula (CHOMP), Vicki was able to "ring the bell", indicating she was cancer-free. The plaque for the bell reads:
Ring this bell three times well. The toll to clearly say, My treatments done, This course is run and I am on my way. Nearly a dozen friends and coworkers joined Vicki that day to celebrate, and she recalls that, in that moment, her "bubble" burst and she was normal again!
Vicki remembers the support she received from ACS when she was going through her journey, particularly the assis-tance in getting a wig, or "head prosthesis", in preparation for the loss of her hair during chemotherapy. She also re-members the friendly, knowledgeable person she spoke to on the ACS 800# (1-800-227-2345). In 2009, Vicki became Office Manager of the Salinas ACS Office. Vicki believes it's no coincidence that she is in a posi-tion to "pay it forward" and help to support those who, like her, hear the words, "You have cancer." Through her work in the Salinas ACS office, Vicki provides referrals and information, support and kindness to those who call when they don't know where else to turn. She also participates in the ACS program, Reach to Recovery, as someone who has "been there". You can see the passion in Vicki's eyes as she tells you about, not only her own cancer journey, but where it's brought her and how she is able to affect the lives of others. And she feels the same way about Relay For Life of Salinas. Vicki started her team in 2009, about the time she began working at the ACS office. "Angels For Life" was named for those who supported her through her journey--her Angels who gave her the support she needed. When asked what she would like to tell those who are new to Relay, Vicki says, "Get as many people as you can" and start a team. "You'll meet friends, network, and pay it forward. Every little bit helps--just do as much as you can. When you have passion, it's amazing what you can do!"
Left to right: Sam Linder, Sandy Rodrigues and Richard Prader
Sam Linder, of Sam Linder Honda in Salinas, has once again donated a brand new
Honda Civic LX to Relay For Life of Salinas!
Salinas Relayers have a great opportunity to sell raffle tickets as a fundraiser to help
meet individual and team fundraising goals!
It’s easy! Everyone wants to win a car! Contact Sandy at 831-424-1500 or
Richard at 831-594-1335 and they will be happy to assist you in getting tickets or
in arranging to have the Honda Civic at your fundraising event!
You can also see Sandy and Richard
at Relay Meetings!
The Luminaria Ceremony is one of the most emotional and inspiring parts of any Relay For Life Event. The ceremony allows us to celebrate those who have won their battles against cancer and remember those taken from us… For Relay teams and participants, selling Luminaria bags can also be an easy way to raise money to fight cancer, since everyone has been touched by cancer in some way. Peggy Borchard See Peggy at Relay meetings or contact her at [email protected]
Our cancer journey began when my husband Gene was diagnosed with bile duct cancer. We approached this journey as a team. I went with him to doctors appoint-ments and chemo. We became aware of diet when we realized he was diabetic. As long as we could we kept up an active life. I was able to continue teaching part time and be a volunteer at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. We were able to take some great trips and use our camping trailer. When Gene was no longer able to do many of the things around the house the responsibility became mine. One time he said it was not fair I had to do them. My response was what would he do if it was me instead of him. It was never an issue again! We had great support from the doctors and nurses. There was also help from VNA. The support and help from friends and family and neighbors was unend-ing. I would tell a new caregiver to take time for your self. Maybe something as simple as a hot soaking bath or a walk. There were times that having tears in the shower were very cleansing. It is amazing the we have to give ourselves permission to do these things. Most important, do not forget to laugh!!! When my husband lost his journey with cancer, I was surrounded by people who loved and cared for me. I have wonderful neighbors I could go to and say I'm having a dumpy day. They would just say come along with us. I was also to do as many normal things as possible. Each day got a little better and I knew life was going to go on without Gene. I sill miss him with all of my heart. We became a part of Relay For Life when Gene was encouraged to attend by the nurses at Los Palos Cancer. He was able to make the survivor lap two years. The last time was two months before his death. I have been a part of Relay since, participating in several different teams. Now I am a member of Northminster Presbyterian's Soles for Souls team. It is very hard to tell Ms. Jackie Gash NO!!!
I’m a transplant originally from the Midwest. I grew up outside of Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, and its not an exaggeration that most of my fam-ily lives on the same street. When I lived there, Relay had not reached that part of the world. After graduating high school, I went to school at MIZ-ZOU, joined the Army Reserves, deployed, graduated and lived in a couple different states before moving to California. After living in the Monterey Bay area for about 3 years, I found myself looking for a new purposeful career after coming to the conclusion that Retail Management was not a good fit for me. A dear friend sent me a job posting for Relay For Life - I read the description, and even though I had never attended a Relay For Life event before, I had a feeling that I had found my direction.
Relay was new to me, but cancer unfortunately wasn’t. My family has been greatly affected by cancer. I share often that I Relay for my Opa, “grandfather” in German. He was a father figure and battled with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma for a few years but passed away 14 days before I turned 18. This was the first time cancer touched my life and marks one of the toughest experiences I’ve been through thus far. It was not mentioned to us (grandchildren) that our Oma, “grandmother” in German, was a cancer survivor until her health suffered several years ago from complications that stemmed from the type of radiation she received for stage 4 stomach cancer in the 70’s. She is not one to boast about kicking cancer, but her diagnosis at the time was 6 months to live and she is now 68 and still stubborn as all get out. We lost my oldest Aunt to cancer in 2013. The cancer had metastasized to her brain, but because of other serious health problems, they were unable to properly diagnose her cancer or develop a treatment plan. And my sto-ry with cancer continues… A year later, my youngest Aunt was diagnosed with skin cancer. This was a shock, because out of all the women in our family, she hardly ever sunbathed on our summer lake camping trips. She had the cancerous mole removed and is fine now, but it was a scary reminder to practice better preventative measure with the young ones and ourselves. With my dad’s very recent diagnosis, I have one more reason to motivate people to join the Relay movement.
My first day on the job with ACS was the day before Salinas Relay in 2014—my first Relay ever! If I was introduced to you then, I’m sure you will remember I was speechless and in awe of how this vast di-verse community came together for one night to celebrate, remember, and fight back in the name of cancer. I had never been to an event like it before, and consider myself lucky to say that I help support this event in any way I can. As your staff partner, my goal is to ensure that Relay is “Staff Supported and Volunteer Driven”. My role is to engage and empower volunteers to be the face of the American Cancer Society in their communities, to help raise awareness of what ACS does to help end cancer and support cancer patients and their families, and the many different ways anyone can contribute to that mission. I am thankful for all of the passionate volunteers that don’t let life get in the way of their drive to DO something to help eradicate this disease. Honestly, Salinas Relay is one-of-a-kind because of all the event leadership team members, the team captains, the event sponsors, local businesses and people that come to support this event year-round, year after year. It is no surprise that this communi-ty has reclaimed the #2 Relay in the state of California.
I am looking forward to the 2016 Relay and our magical “When You Wish Upon A Cure” theme… to see the wheels start spinning when we share with teams is exciting! We have some aggressive goals, but I feel confident we will continue to rise to occasion. The Event Leadership Team is working tirelessly to not just create an Event, but create an Experience for all, so we hope to see you on the track in May! Will be seeing you around.
The Valentine’s Day Challenge!
All registered teams—current, new or returning—are eligible to win! Just have at least 8 registered team members and at least $100 in funds credited to the team or any team member by February 14th and we’ll enter you into our prize drawing!
We’ll draw our winners from among all eligible teams at the next Relay Meeting on February 16th!
The Survivor Challenge!
All registered Teams are challenged to register cancer Survivors to their teams! The
Team with the most registered Survivors by our February 16th Meeting will WIN!
Recent Challenge Winners!
New Year’s Team Registration Challenge: (Drawing) Ryan & McDonald Registered Team Captain plus 1 other member with any $$$
Participant Email Challenge: Kathy Huggins Sent 323 emails!
Team Fundraising Challenge (Drawing) Team Tosca Raised more than $100 online during the Challenge
SAVE THESE DATES! February Team Captains’ Meeting: February 16th at 5:30pm Northminster Presbyterian Church, 315 East Alvin Drive Relay For Life of Salinas: May 20th at 6pm through May 21st at noon.
Salinas Sports Complex Softball Fields
Website: www.relayforlife.org/salinasca Email: [email protected] Facebook: Relay For Life Salinas
Twitter: @RFLSalinas Instagram: Relay For Life Salinas Texting: send msg “1314” to 22723
Role Name Email
ACS Staff Partner Branna Dobrzanski [email protected]
ACS Sr. Manager Jennifer Highland [email protected]
Bring The People Robin Pearce [email protected]
Community Champion Mark Kennedy [email protected]
Team Ambassador Lead Patty McNabb [email protected]
Team Ambassador Mirna Hills [email protected]
Team Ambassador Carla Malveaux [email protected]
Team Ambassador Diane Bassetti- Schmidt [email protected]
Team Ambassador Jen Filice [email protected]
Survivors & Caregivers (Ceremonies/Pre-Event) Jackie Gash [email protected]
Survivors & Caregivers Dinner Melissa Albarran [email protected]
Youth Champion Iwa Martinez [email protected]
Volunteer Coordinatior/Runner Peggy Borchard [email protected]
Experience Lead/ Build the Fun
Entertainment Andy Sierra [email protected]
Kid Zone Activites Ana Jimenez [email protected]
Kid Zone Activites Matthew Jimenez
Logistics- Parking Kirk Edwards [email protected]
Online & Social Communications Mark Lazzarini [email protected]
Luminaria Peggy Borchard [email protected]
Recognition / Fight Back 5k / Projects Sara Papineau-Brandt [email protected]
Pre-Relay Events- Kick Off Jen Filice [email protected]
Pre-Relay Events (Parades, POTP), Decorations Carla Malveaux [email protected]
Hospitality Member Jennifer Roberts [email protected]
Hospitality Member Anna Abad [email protected]
Hospitality Member Krishna Patel [email protected]
Fund The Cure Kathleen Huggins [email protected]
Mission/ ACS CAN Gaby Lopez Chavez [email protected]
Sponsorship- Lead Sam Linder [email protected]
Sponsorship John Menold [email protected]
Sponsorship (Media) Mark Faylor [email protected]
Sponsorship Howard Barkey [email protected]
Accounting Allison Coelho [email protected]
Offline Verifier Susan Yedlicka [email protected]
Fundraising Sylvia Prader [email protected]
Fundraising Richard Prader [email protected]
Registration Rochell Lowman-Hall [email protected]
Survivor Registration Minnie Flores [email protected]
Car Raffle Sandy Rodrigues [email protected]
Car Raffle Richard Prader [email protected]
ELT and TC Meeting Support Lisa Lampi [email protected]
Marketing Lynn Banks [email protected]