Locals Walk For Cancer Fight

Cancer survivors, those still in the struggle and supporters of those who have been touched by the disease walked Saturday in Murrieta to raise money for research and, someday, a cure.

Relay for Life got underway at 9 a.m. on Saturday and will continue until 9 a.m. Sunday at Murrieta’s Town Square Park.

“We are here today supporting the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life event,” Heather Carver team coordinator said. “This is a 24-hour event to symbolize that cancer never sleeps.”

To illustrate that point, teams should have a member on the track at all times during the 24-hour event, Carver told Patch.

“This event is a community event and anyone is welcome,” she added.

Most teams sold raffles or other items to raise funds for Relay for Life.

“The money raised during the relay goes towards education, research, advocacy, and other services,” Carver said.

All cancer survivors wear purple shirts during the relay.

Breast cancer survivor Joan Houser - she is 80 - was out walking and has been cancer free for about 12 years. 

“It was horrible,” Houser said when asked about the day back in 2000 when she was diagnosed. “I first had to have surgery, then chemo, then radiation.

“Just hang in there and do what they tell you.”

Houser’s granddaughter, Christina Brown, 27 of Murrieta, walked the track holding her grandmother’s hand. 

“It is great exercise, but not only that, you know you're walking for a cause and a reason,” Brown said while standing in the shade, listening to music playing in the background.

“You're not just doing something for yourself, but you're doing something for others.”

More than 1,000 people attended this weekend's walk, according to Jana Johnson, event chairperson.

Punkie Leon, 16, of Murrieta said she was recently diagnosed with cancer. 

“I was diagnosed with hodgkin's lymphoma and I love Star Wars,” Leon said, explaining the presence of her team in Star Wars attire. “You have your hard days, but other than that I try to live with a smile.

It was March 2, 2012 when Punkie's family got the news from the doctor.

“When I was told late at night, it was a shock.

"I just sat there,” Leon said. “It just felt like the whole world was coming down.

“I broke down and I cried,” Leon said. “While sitting on my bed, I realized it was time to fight ... I’m going to survive.”