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Strides against cancer

Survivors, family members walk laps for 24 hours in annual Relay for Life at Sonoma Valley High

Photos by SCOTT MANCHESTER / The Press Democrat
A memorial for Dora Alessio was on display during Saturday's relay. The memorial was put together by Alessio's daughters, Jan Alessio of Sonoma and Sue Sawyer of Sacramento.

PRESS DEMOCRAT

Published: Sunday, August 3, 2008 at 3:34 a.m.
Last Modified: Sunday, August 3, 2008 at 10:32 a.m.

More than 1,000 participants gathered at the Sonoma Valley High School track on Saturday for the 24-hour Relay for Life, part of the American Cancer Society's major annual fund-raiser.

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Renee Maganani, co-chairwoman of the local event, said she became involved seven years ago when her best friend's mother had breast cancer. Her friend's mother survives today.

The day included a survivors march around the track, an evening community drum circle and the lighting of luminaries.

About 60 teams, with as many as 15 members, camped out and spent 24 hours together to ensure that someone was on the track the entire time. Sonoma's fund-raising goal is $300,000.

Two other relays will be held next month in Sonoma County:

Santa Rosa: Sept. 6 and 7 at Maria Carrillo High School.

Petaluma: Sept. 13 and 14 at Casa Grande High School.


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