Survivors are encouraged to come participate with no required donation. “We have survivor t-shirts and other
goodies for survivors,” said Biafore.
who has lost their life to cancer, in support of a person
fighting cancer, and in honor of a person who has either
won their battle with cancer or for a caregiver. Relay
participants are welcome to write messages to, and the
names of, their loved ones affected by cancer. “We will be
reading all of the names honored on the luminaria bags.
It is the most moving ceremony,” he said. Luminaria bags
are available online or at the event for a suggested $10
donation.
There will also be live entertainment during the day;
Cornbread Willie and Magical Nathanial are just two of the
entertainers that will be at the Relay for Life East Shore
event helping to keep spirits high while participants honor
those they love. In addition to the entertainment, many of
the participating teams will have a variety of concessions
available for purchase. “Frequently items for sale have
been food, light up items, and cancer awareness items like
t-shirts and hats,” said Biafore.
The event has not reached its team capacity, Biafore
stresses. So, those interested in participating are strongly
encouraged to join an existing team or create a new team.
“Registration never closes,” he said. “People can sign up
at the event.” Unsure if you have enough people to make
a team; teams can be as small as one person, according to
Biafore. Organizers request that each participant raise a
minimum of $100 in donations.
All funds raised are sent to the Americana Cancer Society
where “the monies raised go to various programs,” said
Biafore. “Such as Roads to Recovery that gives people
rides to their cancer treatments; there is a wig program that
provides wigs to those that lose their hair; and some parts
of the country have Hope Lodges that provide lodging to
patients who have to travel far from home for treatment.”
Also, funds raised help support potentially life-saving
research grants.
In his seventh year of helping to organize a Relay for
Life, the event is deeply significant to Biafore. “A number
of us involved have been touched by cancer and have lost
loved ones,” he said. Having lost both of his parents to
colon cancer, supported other loved ones in their fights,
and being a 24-year cancer survivor himself, Biafore was
recently diagnosed with prostate cancer. “It could have
been devastating to learn, but, in my case, it was detected
very early,” he shared. “So, I have a good idea of how to
take care of this and what to do, and I also have a prebuilt
support network I can rely on.”
For those interested in registering to walk in the Relay
or even fill a spot on the Executive Leadership Team to
help with the finishing touches on this year’s planning, or
getting a head start on next year’s event, Biafore strongly
encourages you to reach out. Biafore can be reached at
(510) 232-4264, ext. 16, or email inquiries can be sent to
Eastshorerelay@gmail.com.
Relay for Life East Shore 10 a.m. Saturday, August 11
to 10 a.m. Sunday, August 12 at Cerrito Vista Park, 950
Pomona Ave., El Cerrito.
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