Relay for Life will be etched in her memory

A world was washed clean by the steady night rainfall. The event arena was soggy with damp grass, muddy ruts and cloudy skies, but decorated tents and canopies sprouted within the center portion of the track.

Hundreds of participants intermingled dressed in shirts of red for team captains, purple for survivors or white for supporters that became a rainbow panorama as they traversed the circular path. Then, out came the sun! The event was abuzz with activities, from games for kids, massages for walkers, music for entertainment, free drinks, fruit and bread samples and even kazoos.

Youth and adults came together to support the annual American Cancer Society Relay for Life at Newbury Park High School. We shared many things: laughter, songs, card games, muddy shoes, hugs and tears.

We came to support those we love who were touched by cancer, to celebrate the lives lost to the disease and to bring in sponsor money to help find a cure.

It takes a village of volunteers to pull off such an amazing event.

For those of you who helped in any way, I toot my kazoo. Many hours of meetings, preparation and dedication worked magic over the event. In my short time there, I witnessed the emotional Locks of Love hair cutting, where at least 10 people underwent shearing to donate a length of hair for wigs for cancer patients.

I was delightfully entertained by the T.O. chorus presentation. The nine banners containing encouraging messages by students of Los Cerritos warmed my heart. The Survivor Lap, led by bagpipers, brought tears to my eyes as we, on the sideline, applauded those in the parade. Then, I searched for the luminaries that I had sponsored. There they were. How creatively they were written. What a quieting moment as I paused before each one.

It was heartwarming to see so many youth groups participating in the event. I applaud the adults in charge of them and the chaperones. Know that your dedication serves as a model of service to an important community event.

Rest well, Jennifer Bird and committees. You've pulled together a fantastic Relay for Life event that successfully helped this community rally against the threat of cancer. Thank you. Sherrill Hyink Thousand Oaks