Cerritos College students are lacing up their tennis shoes, and packing up their camping gear to help in the fight against cancer.

Several students will join the Downey Rio Hondo Unit of the American Cancer Society in its first annual Relay For Life on May 18 and 19.

The relay is a 24-hour fundraiser where teams of volunteers will pitch tents and camp out on the football field at Warren high school in Downey. Each team will be required to have at least one member of the team, running, jogging, or skipping around a track at all times..

Charles Quino, a Cerritos College student who has had family members afflicted cancer, said he is participating in the walk to help the community.

“It’s a good way to raise awareness about this disease that so many people ignore,” he said.

The event will begin 9 a.m. Saturday morning with an opening ceremony to honor cancer survivors. Cancer survivors will then walk the initial lap of the rely to symbolize the courage survivors and their families need to have in order to fight cancer.

Individuals who have lost loved ones to cancer will have an opportunity to reflect at 9 p.m. with a luminaria ceremony.

According to the American Cancer Society the ceremony is “a time to honor lives that were lost to cancer, battles being fought against the disease, and triumphs over cancer.”

Elizabeth Pastran, Nursing major, lost her mother to breast cancer. ” I lost my mother because she was not really aware of the risks. When she found out it was too late for her. I want others to have the chance my mother didn’t have.”

Pastran commends the event saying, “The event is a great way to make others aware of the disease. I will think about my mother every second while at the event. I am proud to be a part of it.”

Nazaretrh Gutierrez, a business administration major who has worked with the American Cancer Society will also be attending the relay.

“It’s a good way to raise money to find a cure,” she said.

It is also a good way to make new friends. Warren high school will be equipped with entertainment, games, and food to help participants help pass the hours away.

“I look forward to the event,” Pastran added. “I know it’ll be a lot of fun.”

For more info about this event please call Dana Zakin at 562.776.3312