CANCER SURVIVORS MEET RELAY FOR LIFE EVENT RAISES FUNDS, PUBLIC AWARENESS.

Byline: Amy Raisin Staff Writer

SANTA CLARITA - Purple sashes hung from the necks of cancer survivors Saturday at College of the Canyons - a symbol that on another day might set them apart from the crowd.

But at the Santa Clarita Valley Relay for Life 2001, a 24-hour fund-raiser to find a cure for cancer, the purple stood for the fight, determination and support found in the 3,000 participants - patients and their supporters.

``I went through all the treatments - radiation, stem cell treatment,'' said Sheri Mercier, 47, who survived breast cancer. ``The closer I get to five years (cancer-free), the more excited I get. It's better than a birthday.''

Mercier came from Acton with her daughter's dance troop, Dancin' in Acton, to walk the grass field at the college. The troop of about 50 girls and women were stationed at a red tent along the oval track.

Mercier's daughter, Chrissy, took a break from walking with her red- and black-clad friends and remembered a time when her mother was too sick to be outside enjoying the sun.

``It's very cool to see all these people here,'' she said, adding that she couldn't imagine life without her mom. As the 11-year-old looked at her mom, she began to cry.

``She's just strong,'' Chrissy said.

Santa Clarita's third annual relay is one of about 3,100 Relay for Life events that will take place across the country this year, all in affiliation with the American Cancer Society.

``We've raised over $275,000 here in the past two years,'' said Candy Spahr, chairwoman for the SCV event this year. ``People from the community come out and we have an all-night party. People can walk for five minutes or for 24 hours.''

About 80 tents lined the grass track, some hawking T-shirts, hula items and colorful umbrellas decorated with ribbon. All proceeds from the tent vendors go to the American Cancer Society, Spahr said.

And the event promised to entertain through the night, until today's closing ceremonies at 8:30 a.m.

Crazy hat contests, karate demonstrations and games filled daylight hours, followed by a catered dinner from Outback Steak House and a luminary ceremony in honor of those who have died from cancer-related diseases.

Valencia resident John Mittelstadt sat in the shade of an umbrella Saturday afternoon as music played in the distance.

Perhaps the 60-year-old, two-time survivor of metastatic prostate cancer wasn't planning on leading the midnight pizza and dance party, but as he relaxed, wearing a purple sash, he said he was a lucky man.

``It's been very emotional and healing,'' he said of his three years participation in the SCV relay. ``This is a major heartfelt thanks to the supporters. Cancer affects everyone and they really are so important in the healing process.

``I've been hopeful all the way through this,'' Mittelstadt said of the cancer that was first diagnosed in 1996. ``I just take each day one at a time. It makes your life full.''

Breast cancer survivor Lorrie Hickman, also the mother of a young Dancin' in Acton member, said the event honors not only those who have lived with or died from cancer but also allows young people to take a stand against the disease.

``It's really important for them to see this and get involved,'' Hickman said. ``We're hoping that when they grow up they won't have to deal with this.''

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4 photos

Photo:

(1 -- color) Supporters and survivors walk in the Santa Clarita Valley Relay for Life 2001 event Saturday at College of the Canyons.

(2 -- color) Two-year-old Sabrina Masone rides on the back of her father, Andrew Masone.

(3) Bill Fitch gets sprayed by Isla Melnic, as cancer survivors and supporters walk for 24 hours to raise public awareness.

(4) Cancer survivor Lorrie Hickman of Palmdale and her daughter, Angela, 9, participate in the Relay for Life event Saturday.

David R. Crane/Staff Photographer