Relay for Life in Agoura Hills Smaller in Size but Still Inspires Big Emotions

Although it was smaller compared to previous years, the 10th annual American Cancer Society's Relay for Life in Agoura Hills had an intimate feeling that created a greater sense of closeness with the participants, according to one organizer.

"We had an amazing group of people that are just die-hards, that care and that would do anything for this event," Jenni Campbell, who has helped organize the event for seven years, told Patch during a phone interview on Monday. "It was the best event from an emotional perspective and a support perspective, because it was like going home for Thanksgiving. Everyone was there for each other and you could really connect with people because it was smaller."

The event, which featured teams participating in a continuous relay at Willow Elementary School, lasted 24 hours and began Saturday morning. 

In years past the event has typically drawn around 45 teams and 5,000 supporters, but lost many student participants to the two-year-old Agoura High School event, which takes place this year on Friday. This year, 21 teams participated at Willow and raised $14,787, according to the event's website.

Adding extra emotion and weight to the event was the participation of Kevin Cordasco's family. Cordasco, a Calabasas High junior, died of neuroblastoma in March. The boy had been fighting the disease since he was 9 years old, and his fight became well known locally. In January, he was named the honorary mayor of Calabasas for 2013.

"Kevin Cordasco Sr. said a few words [at the opening ceremony], then stood in for his son on the drums. That was really profound. It’s what it’s all about," Campbell said.

Another inspiring participant, according to Campbell, was Doug Lasater of Agoura Hills, who walked continuously the entire 24 hours, pausing only for a few quick bathroom breaks.

"[Doug] walked the entire 24 hours in memory of his wife, who died in November," Campbell said. "She was diagnosed and suffered for a month, and he said if she could do it for a month, he could do it for 24 hours. He was brand new to the event."

Also participating was a team made of of Agoura Hills city employees, captained by Mayor Pro Tem William Koehler.

"The mayor and I had a discussion this past week about this fine event, and I went through somewhat of a life-changing event last year," Koehler said during a recent city council meeting. "This is very close to my heart. I'm very happy to champion a team."

For more information on the Relay for Life, check the organization's website.