Relays to aid cancer research by raising funds

Hollee Schultz, a kindergarten teacher at Robert Taylor Elementary School, will be wearing a red sash March 12.

She is one of more than 50 local cancer survivors walking the opening lap at the American Cancer Society's 18-hour relay "Celebration for Life" at Sunset Station.

The relay will begin at 6 p.m. and continue until noon the following day.

Schultz, 31 and a cervical cancer survivor of one year, hopes the relay raise awareness of the need for cancer education.

"I think education needs to be out in the schools on cancer," she said. "It's hitting people younger and younger each year."

Schultz had all the signs of cervical cancer -- among them lower back pain and occasional bleeding -- but didn't know what they meant.

Her 11-member team of friends and co-workers will join hundreds of local walkers, runners and joggers in the Cancer Society's signature fund-raising event.

Similar relays are held all over the country in the spring, and others are likely to follow in the Las Vegas Valley. UNLV, which has sponsored the event for four years, has scheduled this year's relay in May. Summerlin's first relay was in September.

"We're trying to reach out to all the communities," Paulette Salti, American Cancer Society spokeswoman, said.

The 10- to 15-member teams will be doing laps on a quarter-mile track for 18 hours nonstop in the hotel's parking lot "H" to the sounds of different local bands on a nearby stage, including Tommy Rocker & Conched Out. Team members take turns walking in shifts.

"People take it very seriously," Salti said. "There's somebody on the track at all times. People come at 2 or 3 in the morning to walk their shift."

Sunset Station is donating the use of its amphitheater, parking lot and audio equipment. It's also providing a complimentary breakfast for the walkers.

Inland Empire Shows will donate carnival equipment, including children's rides and a Ferris wheel to help raise funds at the event.

A campsite in the hotel's amphitheater will hold at least 50 tents for overnighters.

Officials are hoping to raise $25,000. Proceeds go directly to cancer research and local patient programs, Salti said. The 1998 relay at UNLV raised $85,000; $54,000 was raised in 1997; Summerlin's relay raised $25,000.

Each team member pays a $10 entrance fee. American Cancer Society will also sell hats, T-shirts and bags.

Names of cancer victims will be written on luminaria bags -- bags that contain lights -- that will line the track. Names will be read during opening ceremonies. UNLV's University Chorus will perform.

A 30-by-6-foot high Wall of Memory will be displayed next to the track to serve as inspiration for the walkers. The wall will be covered with notes remembering people who have lost their lives to cancer and honoring survivors.

"It's very special," Salti said of the wall. "It brings you back to why you're there."

Twenty-five teams have registered, but more teams and volunteers are needed. Teams can register until the March 9.

Children from Candlelighters for Childhood Cancer, a nonprofit support group for families of children with cancer, will also walk the opening lap.

The closing ceremonies will be at noon March 13, with everybody walking the last lap together.

Schultz, a first-year participant, says she'll continue to participate in the relays "every year they do it."

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