HANAPEPE — Brenda Jose, joined by 500 friends, walked through the night Saturday. Good thing they didn’t need to sleep. Because when they were done, they had raised more than $120,000 at the Relay for Life. It was a heckuva
HANAPEPE — Brenda Jose, joined by 500 friends, walked through the night Saturday.
Good thing they didn’t need to sleep.
Because when they were done, they had raised more than $120,000 at the Relay for Life.
It was a heckuva party to fight cancer.
“I’ve been wanting to do this for the last 15 years, but there was always something else which came up,” said Jose, in charge of sponsorships. “Tonight is my first Relay, ever.”
The American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life is a signature event that pays tribute to cancer survivors, their families and caregivers.
About 50 teams gathered around the Luminaria circle for the annual event.
The American Cancer Society, in 2012, helped 250 patients with cancer, including 191 newly-diagnosed patients.
Assistance ranged from support, education, transportation to treatment, and a survivors network which offered hope and support, said Diann Hartman, in charge of communications for the Relay.
Taryn Dizon and Patti Ornellas served as chairpersons for the overnight event that started with cancer survivors, together, taking the first lap. Among them were Joel Miyashiro and Denisse Ogata.
“We did the Luminaria right after sundown, this year,” said Nalani Brun of the entertainment committee along with Melissa Sugai, Naylene Aki and Kahanu Smith. “Luminaria are so we can remember people we have lost to cancer, honor those who have fought cancer in the past, and support those whose fight continues.”
• Dennis Fujimoto, photographer and staff writer, can be reached at 245-0453 or dfujimoto@ thegardenisland.com.
