Walkers Raise Funds for Cancer Society

Walkers at the second annual Relay for Life, the American Cancer Society’s 24-hour fund-raiser, raised twice as much as last year, and officials were still counting the money.

As of Monday evening, $140,000 had been raised from the weekend event. All the proceeds will benefit the American Cancer Society’s research branch.

Fifty teams--nearly three times as many as last year--with more than 700 participants walked around Newbury Park High School’s track from noon Saturday to noon Sunday.

A highlight of the event was the ceremonial first lap, taken by 92 cancer survivors. They walked to commemorate loved ones who have died from cancer and to honor those who beat the disease, said Ruth Ogden, the event’s co-chairwoman, who survived her battle with breast cancer.

“It was emotional to walk the track,” Ogden said. “With every step, you think about people who lost their battle with cancer and remember those who have survived cancer.”