Coachella Valley Relay for Life draws community members to fight cancer

The American Cancer Society’s first-ever Coachella Valley-wide Relay For Life to celebrate cancer survivors and caregivers at Palm Valley School in Rancho Mirage Saturday.

According to organizers about 1,500 people were expected to show up in take part in the relay benefiting the American Cancer Society. A goal of $80,000 was set for this year’s event.

Relay For Life is the American Cancer Society’s version of a relay with a twist. Relay for Life is a family-oriented team event where participants can walk or run around the track, relay-style, for 12 hours. Participants camp out around the track and when they aren’t taking their turn on the track, they take part in fun activities with family, neighbors, and co-workers.

Organizers say they were glad to see the community support.

“I hope that they have a lot of fun. I hope they learn that the American Cancer Society is here in their community to support them and anything that they need 24 hours a day, 7 days a week,” Julie Pizzitola, senior manager of the relay for Coachella Valley, San Diego County and Imperial County, said.

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