VIDEO: 24-Hour Relay for Life Begins Today at Chatsworth High School

A 24-hour walk-a-thon to raise research money for the American Cancer Society begins at 9 a.m. Saturday morning at , 10027 Lurline Ave.

This Relay for Life, an annual fundraiser, involves hundreds of volunteers in Chatsworth, Northridge, and other areas of the Valley, as well as thousands of individuals in communities nationwide.

Just how important is the Relay for Life? Perhaps it is best explained by Jheri Heetland of Porter Ranch, one of the local organizers, whose essay first appeared on the Relay for Life website.

-- Saul Daniels, Editor

My Reason to Relay

Relay For Life is my personal opportunity to fight back against cancer by raising funds and awareness. I fight so one day no one has to ever face cancer. Again this year I am Chairing the Chatsworth Relay Event, taking place on April 28 - 29, 2012, 9 a.m. to 9 a.m. at Chatsworth High School.  Again, this past year I have lost many friends to this disease called CANCER and am hoping to help find a cure. Please read the bullets and see what the money is used for.  We walk for 24 hours because cancer never sleeps.

Last year with all your help our Event raised over $60,000 to go to the research and we were the top event in the Los Angeles Region for funds raised and participants. A special note: the money we raise goes directly to the cause.

It's amazing to think that millions of people will be diagnosed with cancer this year. But, by taking part in Relay, I am helping the American Cancer Society save lives by:

• Helping people stay well by helping them take steps to prevent cancer or detect it early, when it's most treatable
• Helping people get well by being in their corner around the clock to guide them through every step of their cancer experience
• Finding cures by funding groundbreaking research that helps us understand cancer's causes, determine how best to prevent it and discover new ways to cure it
• Fighting back by working with lawmakers to pass laws to defeat cancer and rallying communities worldwide to join the fight

Please support my efforts by making a donation any dolla amount -- every little bit helps -- or by joining my Relay For Life team. Together, we have the power to make a difference! Thank you in advance for helping in my cause.