News from the American Cancer Society, SCV Unit

The American Cancer Society Santa Clarita Valley Unit is a busy force in the fight against cancer and creation of more birthdays.
On May 21-22 Relay For Life, the non-profit’s signature outdoor 24-hour team fundraiser, raised approximately $350,000, with monies still coming in. These vital funds help the ACS in its mission to assist people affected by cancer, enable ongoing medical research for new cancer breakthroughs and treatments, and provide free community programs and services, education and advocacy. It’s not too late to donate to this year’s Relay. Simply go to www.scvrelay.org or call our local ACS office at (661) 298-0886 option 3. With more than 2.5 million volunteers nationwide, the ACS is always in need of new support. If you are interested in getting involved and helping to make a difference in the fight against cancer, you may call the number above or go to www.cancer.org.
On Sunday June 12, close to 100 American Cancer Society supporters represented the ACS at the Los Angeles (LA) Pride event. Marching together and passing out Relay For Life t-shirts, stickers, pens and Pride Flag stickers were ACS staffers, volunteers and cancer survivors. The ACS strives to bring increased awareness of certain cancers and other health challenges associated with the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community — inadequate screenings and treatments, fear of discrimination, and negative experiences with health care providers are associated risk factors. For information on breaking down health care barriers for the LGBT community please visit www.cancer.org.
The Inaugural ACS SCV Unit Luminaria Bag Art Contest, “What Does Hope Look Like to You?” provided a successful start to what is sure to emerge as a fun, unique, and personally expressive art competition. Winners were Ronda Bestle, first place, Rory Bestle, second, and Katie Golczynski, third. Big thanks to our esteemed judges Marlee Lauffer, president of the Henry Mayo Newhall Foundation and VP of Marketing and Communications, and Gary Choppe, president of Choppe Advertising, and to the City of Santa Clarita for displaying the beautiful bags at City Hall. Congratulations to Janine Jones, ACS SCV Unit Leadership Council member and Look Good Feel Better program facilitator, Mandy Eglseder,  ACS Community Manager, Relay For Life, and their committee members for creating this inspiring and imaginative new ACS event.