According to the American Cancer Society, the event unites communities across the country each year to celebrate the lives of those who’ve battled cancer,
to remember loved ones lost, and to fight back against a disease that takes an enormous toll. Local residents raised $175,000 for the Cancer Society in 2008. As of Monday, 59 teams had signed up to take part in Moorpark’s 2009 event, “Relay Gone Wild,” which begins Saturday morning and lasts for 24 hours. “The relay means everything to me,” said Moorpark resident Michael Ohler, who was diagnosed with leukemia in May 2007. Ohler is a member of the Holy Cross Church Knights of Columbus team. In addition to collecting donations before the relay, Ohler and other team members will be cooking and serving food at the event. All proceeds from food sales will be donated to the cancer society, he said. Ohler’s son, Anthony, a junior at Moorpark High, formed team SWAT (Students with a Target) to support the cancer society’s work and fulfill community service hours required for graduation. “The more kids know about fighting cancer, charity and getting involved in the community, the better off they will be,” said his dad.
Most teams work hard to gather donations, but some go the extra mile.