Relay For Life is the American Cancer Society’s signature activity. It offers everyone in a community an opportunity to participate in the fight against cancer. Teams of people camp out at a local high school, park, or fairground and take turns walking or running around a track or path. Each team is asked to have a representative on the track at all times during the event. Relays are an overnight event, up to 24 hours in length.
 
The American Cancer Society Relay For Life represents the hope that those lost to cancer will never be forgotten, that those who face cancer will be supported, and that one day cancer will be eliminated.   Teams of people from all walks of life have fun while raising much-needed funds to fight cancer and raise awareness of cancer prevention and treatment.

Relay For Life is a life-changing event that brings together more than 3.5 million people to:

• Celebrate the lives of those who have battled cancer. The strength of survivors inspires others to continue to fight.
• Remember loved ones lost to the disease. At Relay, people who have walked alongside people battling cancer can grieve and find healing.
• Fight Back. We Relay because we have been touched by cancer and desperately want to put an end to the disease.

One of our Association Members, Jon Johston and his children, has been actively walking in Menlo Park’s Relay For Life for the past 3 years.  Working with the Menlo Atherton Key Club team as an advisor, the team has worked to raise funds for the American Cancer Society. 

This past year, the Menlo Park Firefighters Association donated $500 to the American Cancer Society to support Jon and his children, ages 8 and 6, with their walk.  Jon and his children dedicated their walk to Danielle Slade.

Danielle Slade is a cancer fighter, cancer survivor, mother of 2, and the wife one of our Association Members, Keith Slade.   Jon walked 18 miles over 24 hours along with 8 miles from his son and 6 miles from his daughter.  Danielle Slade was excited about the fact of a family walking for her fight and called to offer support and thanks. 

Member Keith Slade along with the crews from Engine 1, Truck 1, and engine 6 joined in the walk for a period of time to encourage and support other walkers and the cause of eradicating cancer.

Jon, his children and the Menlo Park Firefighters’ Association look forward to the 2009 “Menlo Park Relay for Life” on April 25-26, at Menlo College.