On The Town:

Joan Patricia “J.P.” O’Connoroan Patricia “J.P.” O’Connor, a cancer survivor and chairwoman of the American Cancer Society’s local seventh annual Relay for Life, looked out over the assemblage who had gathered in McCambridge Park to kick off this year’s event.

“In the words of the famous anthropologist Margaret Mead, ‘Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has,’” O’Connor said in her welcoming comments. “We are celebrating our ability to fight back against cancer and change our world. Relay For Life, and volunteering with the American Cancer Society, is our way of changing the world — of fighting back against cancer, right here in our local community.”

O’Connor was joined for the rally by Event Staff Coordinator Vanessa DiPerri, and their committee comprising Chris Barnes, Mychelle Aguilar, Pilar Scozzola-Tellez, Don Baldaseroni, Danell Putna, Victoria Sands, James Walters, Michelle Jacobovitz, Erin Lecher and Kerry McAloon.

McAloon, who is serving as the event’s community outreach chairwoman, will be participating in memory of her mother, Hope McAloon, a 26-year employee of the city of Burbank who died from pancreatic cancer in August.

The Relay For Life is a 24-hour community team event. Teams are made up of cancer survivors, those who participate on behalf of a loved one who lost their battle with the disease, schools, faith-based organizations, community organizations and local companies. The teams raise funds by taking turns walking or running a track for 24 hours.

While not walking, team members and supporters camp out around the track and field enjoying music, food, entertainment, camaraderie and educational presentations on how to avoid and survive cancer.

“We’re taking a day out of our lives to celebrate and remember those who are battling the disease and remember those we’ve lost,” O’Connor said.

The afternoon’s keynote speaker was cancer survivor Carolyn Surtees, who told those fighting the disease that they cannot allow cancer to define them.

“Cancer is what I got,” Surtees said. “It is not who I am.”

Among those in attendance for the kickoff celebration were Terry Walker who serves as the director of occupational health and urgent care at Providence St. Joseph Medical Center, event sponsor Sylvia Perez and her daughter, Monique, and John, Bernadette, Brandon and Jared Hood.

This year’s relay will be May 15 and 16 at Johnny Carson Park. For more information or to become a sponsor or participant, visit www.RelayFor Life.org/BurbankCA.