LA Relay brings community together

Summer is officially upon us. For most, it’s the season of escape as we embark on vacations providing relief from the pressures of school and the workplace.

However, there’s no escape from cancer. Even if we have been fortunate to avoid the daunting disease, the same cannot be said for our friends and family members.

The third annual Los Altos Relay For Life, which this past weekend enjoyed another successful fund-raising effort for the American Cancer Society, demonstrates how pervasive cancer is. But its positive, celebratory messages also hit home that cancer can be beaten and survivors can go on to live normal lives. And by bringing together such a strong cross-section of the community, the event proves most emphatically that cancer victims and their families will not suffer alone.

The event is an interesting study in contrasts. Clearly, there was plenty of fun to be had, between the Dr. Seuss themes, the bingo games and live entertainment.

On the other hand, the thousands of luminaria surrounding the track at Los Altos High School served as a sober reminder of the many loved ones we have lost.

It’s cathartic to wave our community pride “flag” and boast about the funding raised from this year’s event.

As of Sunday morning, the funds were just shy of the event committee’s goal of $600,000. Over the next few weeks, committee members believe additional funds will put the total over their goal.

In recent years, much progress has been made in the fight against cancer. Successful efforts like the Los Altos event will ensure vital research continues and further progress is made.

We congratulate Los Altos Relay organizers for another event well done.

Their efforts have led to an event that, in a short time, has achieved high-profile community gathering on a par with such longtime Los Altos traditions as the Kiwanis Pet Parade and the Festival of Lights.

We suspect Los Altos Relay For Life will keep growing, and along with it, so will public awareness and support in the fight against cancer.

Based on the community response this past weekend, Los Altos residents are willing to put their feet and wallets on the right track.