Community relays for a cure for cancer

For mothers, for fathers, for friends, for surviving.

Each with their own reason, Newport-Mesa residents turned out to walk for a cure Saturday in the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life.

Under a sunny sky and purple, white and gold balloons, walkers took turns around the track at Newport Harbor High School beginning at 10 a.m.

“Life isn’t just about yourself, you need to help other people,” said 11-year-old Melanie Arzouman, a student at Newport Elementary School.

Young, old and everyone in between were represented at Saturday’s relay. Newport Beach resident Alyce Hall, 100, said she thought she was the oldest person at the relay. Girl scouts from Newport Beach troop 2700 pushed Hall around the track in a wheelchair. The girls were offering wheelchair rides for $1, with the money going to the American Cancer Society.

Hall was just one of the residents from the Newport Plaza retirement facility participating in the relay. More than 10 residents walked a lap when they arrived just after 11 a.m. Saturday.

“We know a lot of people that have had cancer,” said Genevieve Leaming. “A lot of people that have survived, a lot that haven’t.”

Leaming walked two times around the track with her husband of 67 years, Pat Leaming. The Leamings have had their own brush with cancer. Pat Leaming has had several melanomas removed.

“It doesn’t matter what age, you can still fight for the cure,” said Newport Plaza employee Elvis Gutierrez.

Also at Saturday’s relay were members of the Newport Fire Department. Dressed in helmets, fire jackets, pants and breathing gear, the fire fighters took Saturday as not only an opportunity to give back to the community, but also as a physical challenge.

“Firefighters get hit with cancer at a significant rate,” said Fire Capt. Todd Knipp. “You can’t help but get involved.”

The Fire Department planned to have a firefighter walking in full turnout gear for each hour of the 24-hour relay, which ends at 10 a.m. today. The department participates in the relay each year, but this time its members decided to walk in full gear.

Firefighter Brian McDonough got his family out to participate. Even his kids, 3-year-old Connor and 2-year-old Kylie, were good sports in the stroller.

McDonough’s walked in the relay before, but this was a first with his family. MARK DUSTIN / DAILY PILOTNewport Firefighter Brian McDonough, left, his wife, Julie, and Fire Capt. Todd Knipp walk in the Relay for Life on Saturday. dpt.21-relay-BPhotoInfoUO1R5SUI20060521izle10ncMARK DUSTIN / DAILY PILOT(LA)