Bay Point 49ers For Life

By: Straw Hat Pizza | 3 Shares 130 Reads

BAY POINT (Friday, April 20, 2007) - When Bay Point resident Judy Dawson was fighting cancer nearly seven years ago, it was the American Cancer Society that assisted her with information about her therapy, provided her with a wig until her hair grew back and gave her moral support.

After she was appointed to the Bay Point Municipal Advisory Council, Dawson and her daughter happened to see a flier about the cancer society's annual Relay For Life fundraising event in Antioch.

"I said, 'I'm a survivor,' and I registered," Dawson said.

Until Dawson took the initiative to form a team last year, Bay Point never had a team participate in the Relay.

"I participated in the walks and got involved in all activities," she said. "I was determined to help make a difference. That's the point with me, making a difference."

The Relay, which was held last year at Antioch High School's track field, is a 24-hour event that will be held June 23-24. Teams comprise 12 to 15 members, one of whom must be walking or running on the track at all time because, as a Relay flier, puts it, "Cancer never sleeps." Bay Point's team raised $1,500 last year, and hopes to do better this year.

"We were a late entry" last year, said Dawson. "This year we know the ropes and are getting going early."

Helping Dawson recruit team members and raise money is Laura McKay, an Avon sales representative who is donating a portion of her sales to the Relay. McKay also is a team coordinator.

Straw Hat Pizza, 3001 Delta Fair Blvd. in Antioch, will donate proceeds of sales between 5:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. on May 15 and May 29. Pittsburg Wal-Mart and Starbucks Coffee are providing supplies to the Relay, Dawson said.