Osan honors those affected by cancer

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Michael Battles
  • 51st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea --  The Osan Air Base Junior Enlisted Council is scheduled to host the first Relay for Life walk here May 12 and 13.

This nationwide program is held annually to raise money for cancer research, and the 24-hour walk also acts as a tool to spread awareness about cancer.

"Relay for Life is a life-changing event that honors and celebrates the lives of people who battle cancer, who lost their battle (against cancer), and who fight back against the disease," said Airman 1st Class Jessica Souza, 51st Mission Support Group knowledge operations manager. "It gives everyone a chance to come together and raise awareness in our local community of the ever-day presence and effect of cancer."

Since Relay for Life has no overseas events, the Osan walk will be an extension of the Bakersfield, Calif. event, which is ranked in the top three for largest participation. Osan's goal is to raise $10,000 in donations to support the Bakersfield chapter.

To participate in the walk, individuals need to create a team of four to 10 people. Individuals may also participate indirectly by volunteering to setup, tear down or collect trash throughout the event.

Registration for the event began in March and runs until April 20. A fee of $150 per team will be charged upon registration.

"Just about everyone has been affected by cancer in some way," MSgt Rick Schwarte, 51st Civil Engineer Squadron heating, ventilation, and air conditioning SNCO in charge. "This event is held to honor the survivors and to those who have lost the battle, but it's there to help an organization that is working to develop new treatments and cures."

"I have had family members touched by cancer, and some were unable to win their battle," Souza said. "This is a way for us to do our part and fight back against the disease so we can live in a world with more birthdays."

For more information or to register a team, visit www.relayforlife.org/bakersfieldca.

(No statement above implies endorsement of this private organization by the Department of Defense)