Despite rain, Relay for Life raises $6K

Breast cancer survivor Pati Escano dances during the Relay for Life of Tri-Cities Relay in Norwalk. (Photo by Vincent Medina)

NORWALK – Relay for Life held their annual Tri - Cities event at Norwalk city hall to help fundraise cancer research and spread awareness for the disease on Oct. 23.

Along with Paramount and Bellflower, Norwalk helped to celebrate those who won their battle against cancer and honor those who lost their lives fighting the illness.

Pati Escano survived her fight against breast cancer when her tumor was removed during surgery.

“We are called ‘surgical cures.’ We never had to do chemo or radiation,” said Escano. “It was early detection, because I was only 39 at the time and my aunt had it as well. Cancer runs in my family.”

Escano said she is also walking for her aunt, who relapsed after 16 years in remission.

Senior Community Development manager, Nancy Gutzmer, coordinated and helped plan the relay at the city hall lawn.

“My sole purpose is to work with the community and put on Relay for Life,” said Gutzmer.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the event was smaller than previous relays.

Despite the virus, Relay for Life raised approximately $6,000 for the American Cancer Society to help fund research for a cure.