CANCER RELAY CHARITY EVENT BREAKS RECORDS SURVIVORS TAKE THE FIRST LAP.

Byline: SHARON COTAL 

Staff Writer

SANTA CLARITA -- The recent SCV Relay For Life shattered records, organizers said this week, but the money raised to battle cancer and the numbers of survivors and supporters taking part couldn't overshadow the individual stories.

Cancer survivor Tim Brennan, 50, of Canyon Country was one of the speakers at the opening ceremony at the June event at Santa Clarita Central Park.

"It was overwhelming. I speak in front of people all the time for work, but this wasn't business. It was personal," said Brennan, who was diagnosed 10 years ago with malignant melanoma, but is now in remission.

Brennan, who calls himself a "walking poster boy for sunscreen," shared his experience with cancer diagnosis, surgery, treatment and recovery, and how it completely changed his daily life and goals for the future. After speaking, Brennan left the stage to participate in the Survivor Lap, the first round of the continuous weekend rally.

"My legs were wobbling. It was that moving," he said. "So many people came up to me and thanked me for sharing my story."

Other records include the most survivors taking the first lap, the largest number of teams registered and the most luminarias ever sold to light the track.

Each year the 24-hour walking event begins with a survivor lap featuring cancer patients and survivors, and this year the committee handed out a record 340 survivor medals to participants.

There were 3,300 luminarias lining the track for the Saturday night luminaria ceremony, a record number of bags sold -- each with a message honoring a cancer survivor, remembering a cancer victim or thanking a caregiver.

Luminarias were available for purchase at the event for a donation of at least $10. There is a station set up for people to decorate the luminarias during the relay.

"Some people get very ornate. They put photos on them or draw on them," said Pat Willett, one of the event organizers.

Candles were then placed in the bags and on the first night of the two-day event all the lights were dimmed and the track was illuminated.

"Some people come just for the luminary portion of the event," Willett said.

A record number of 87 teams participated in this year's relay, with some teams so large that they occupied two or three campsites. The planning committee hopes to expand the site next year to accommodate even more walkers.

Top fund-raising teams were United Ribbons of Hope, captained by Wendy Thy, which raised $33,491 from sponsors, and Caring For You, captained by Pat News, which raised $31,200.

Top individuals were Leo Anselm, who raised $9,280; Thy, who raised $7,322; and David Tanner, another United Ribbons of Hope member, who raised $7,220.

Work will start soon on the 2008 event, and early bird team registration will be available this month at the Relay Web site, www.scvrelay.org. Information can also be obtained by e-mailing [e-mail].

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