Virtual Relay for Life a true success story
On June 6, the American Cancer Society’s Diablo Valley Relay For Life held its first virtual event.
In previous years, the relay’s home was Pleasant Hill Middle School, where teams with members of all ages set up booths and tents, and filled the track and field with their activities.
This year, the leadership team headed by Sara Wright, Sharon Wilkerson and Karen Sanderson-Graham was not deterred by the shelter in place restrictions caused by the pandemic. Under the guidance of American Cancer Society’s Jennifer Nash, they were determined to make this year’s relay as successful as ever.
Additional opportunities
In fact, the online platform allowed for some additional opportunities. Content such as speeches, scavenger hunts, exercise videos and performances were uploaded to the website according to the schedule. Participants could follow along as the day progressed or watch each piece at their convenience.
The virtual event included pre-recorded messages from the mayors of Pleasant Hill and Walnut Creek. My mom, Tiffany Svahn, an oncologist at Diablo Valley Oncology, delivered a speech about her work with cancer patients, advances in cancer treatment and the role that fundraising plays in cancer research.
One of everyone’s favorite events at the Relay is the Luminaria Ceremony, which is typically held at nightfall. The ceremony includes meaningful words, poems, music and a survivor speech. The track is beautifully lit by luminaria bags decorated in honor of survivors or in memory of those who have lost their lives.
This year, participants decorated luminaria bags online, and the talented Don Richardson added live music to a video montage. Cancer survivor Shari Palladino poignantly shared the story of her cancer journey.
It was my role to lead the Luminaria Ceremony, which I have done for the past three years. My goal was that our virtual attendees felt like they were actually sitting on the field and experiencing the ceremony in person.
$74,835 raised
This year’s virtual Relay For Life had 132 registered participants, and many more who “stopped by” to take part in the event. We raised an impressive $74,835. Donations can still be made through Saturday, July 18, via the Diablo Valley Relay For Life website.
Sponsors included Diablo Valley Oncology, Postino, Rotary Club of Pleasant Hill, Pleasant Hill Lions Club, Fremont Bank, abd, Republic Services, 96.5 Koit and 102.9 FM KBLX.
All content from the 2020 Virtual Relay For Life of Diablo Valley is still available for viewing on the website. All in all, it was a tremendous success, and we look forward to seeing what next year’s relay will bring.
Sarah Svahn is a senior at Miramonte High School, the volunteer coordinator at California Cancer & Research Institute and chair for American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life Luminaria Ceremony.
Dr. Tiffany Svahn is a medical oncologist and breast cancer specialist with Diablo Valley Oncology and Hematology Medical Group in Pleasant Hill. She is also the medical director of the Women’s Cancer Center of the East Bay. For more information, call 925-677-5041 or visit dvohmg.com.