Peter Ingram - The Spectrum Magazine - Redwood City's Monthly ...

Relay for Life: The Community Fights Back
Mia Lee Wagner and great-grandma Wanda walked
their laps among the luminaria in the early morning.
If you’ve ever lost a loved one to cancer, or celebrated with a beloved cancer survivor, then you know the
importance of Relay for Life, the annual nationwide fundraising event for the American Cancer Society.
Whether or not you have experienced either of those two life-changing situations, you can join those
who have on May 30 at 10 a.m. at the Sequoia High School campus.
This year, more than 33 teams are registered for the 13th Relay for Life in Redwood City. “This
activity has raised more than $1 million for the American Cancer Society,” Corinne Centeno, chair
of this year’s relay, said. “Our goal this year is to raise $115,000, to field 40 teams and to honor 100
survivors,” she continued.
All team members solicit donations to “fight back” for friends and relatives who are or who have been
cancer patients. Funds support cancer treatment and cutting-edge research in the Bay Area.
For 24 hours at least one member from each team will be walking the memorial path lined with
donated luminaria — lanterns inscribed with names and messages in honor of survivors or in memory of
those who lost their fight.
“The luminaria-lighting ceremony at sunset is beyond awesome,” said Wanda Steffens, captain of
Team Sequoia, a top fundraiser in recent years.
“Family teams have kids of all ages,” explained Steffens, a two-time survivor. “My own family has
four generations on our team. Our 3-year-old and 6-year old great-granddaughters walk laps and help
place luminaria. Our team has walkers from 3 to almost 90. And they all walk and work.”
Redwood City firefighters will barbeque hamburgers, hot dogs and chicken breasts provided by
Sequoia Hospital for dinner on Saturday night. They will return on Sunday morning to serve pancakes
for breakfast.
Throughout the day, musical groups, games and stage performances will entertain walkers and
“resters” alike. Cotton candy and snow cones lead a long list of refreshments.
Local youth are very involved with the Relay for Life. Sequoia High will have six teams. Woodside
Priory, Woodside High, Fox School and John Gill will have teams as well.
A silent auction will offer Giants and 49ers tickets, gift baskets, toys, cases of wine and many other
items. Call 650-726-6902 to make a donation to the auction.
Survivors pose for a picture in front of the school.
Sharkie gives a ride to Elizabeth Steffens. They’re followed by Emmalee Holmes, Maggie Holmes, Timmy Steffens and
Maya Grossman. A tent city is visible in the background.
Luminaria often have pictures of loved ones.
HOPE is lit with luminaria. At about 10 p.m. the word changes to CURE, thanks to a Sequoia team.
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