At the meeting, Mayor and Event Co-Leader Ramsey English Cantú spoke on the importance of the event, and thanked everyone involved, especially survivors.
“I want to recognize all of the survivors here today because you all are the ones who give hope to so many others who, when they go through that darkness, see the light through each and every one of your faces,” said English Cantú. “To all of our survivors here, thank you for what you do and thank you for being that blessing and that hope to all of those who are currently experiencing that today.”
English Cantú also thanked community members and businesses who participate in the event like IBC, and everyone on the committee that helps organize the event.
Diana Juarez of the American Cancer Society was excited for the opportunity this year’s event would bring, recalling how the community was able to raise $30,000 last year.
“Last year we broke records, we surpassed our goals and were recognized on a national level,” said Juarez. “Through the American Cancer Society we will continue to fund research, which is our main mission. We will continue to make sure one day all cancers are curable. That is the reason why we relay, and that is the reason that we come together as a community, and also to remember those that have passed on and celebrate those who are with us today.”
Relay for Life Chairperson Guadalupe Escobedo was next to speak, sharing the reason she continues to fight for a cure.
“I know we may look small but at the end we always come through. Sometimes they ask me why I relay because it’s very hard to get people motivated, but I’m tired of doing the luminaries. Every year I do a luminary for a friend. We can’t have this anymore, we need to find a cure, and the only way we can do that is to support the American Cancer Society. It’s hard passing by [the luminaries], you’ve been there, you walk around, it gets harder every year. Every year I make an extra one, and that’s what motivates me,” said Escobedo. “We had a speaker scheduled today to give a talk on cancer, but she was diagnosed with breast cancer two days ago. That’s why I want to tell you help us, join us. We need to find a cure, we can’t let the cancer control us.”
Members of the community are encouraged to participate in this year’s “Toon Out Cancer” cartoon themed Relay for Life event, scheduled to be held Friday, April 21 at 6:00 p.m. at the San Juan Plaza.
For more information, please contact Guadalupe Escobedo at 830-421-4770, Irene Rodriguez at 512-810-3813, or Raquel Menchaca at 830-352-5449 or on the web at ww.relayforlife.org/maverickcotx.