Local residents fight back against cancer during Relay For Life

By RUSSELL INGOLD

Fred and Terry Hidalgo know very well the heartache than cancer can cause. They lost their 24-year-old son Erik because of this disease five years ago.

“Anyone and everyone can get cancer. It's a terrible disease, but we're going to find a cure one day,” said Terry Hidalgo.

To help support the effort to fight cancer, and to keep the memory of their son alive, the two long-time Fontana residents were involved in the American Cancer Society's Relay For Life on May 3 and 4 at Summit High School.

“It's kind of tough that we got involved in this program because of our son passing away, but this is our way of fighting this cancer,” said Fred Hidalgo.

Erik Hidalgo, a Fontana High School graduate, had been married less than one year when he suddenly was stricken by the disease. Erik was an active participant in the cause, helping raise money for the Johnson Cancer Center Foundation at UCLA, before succumbing on June 23, 2003.

“We're just fulfilling his dream,” Terry Hidalgo said. “This is what he wanted; this is why we're here.”

Many other people who had lost loved ones to cancer were eager to “Fight Back,” a motto for this year's event, according to chairperson Pam Tuttle and her co-chairs, Kathy Binks, Terri Hawthorn, and Frank Scialdone.

“We're taking the opportunity to remind people during the year to get those mammograms, to make their appointments, and to help people who really need support,” Tuttle said.

The two-day event started on Saturday morning with the Survivors' Lap around the Summit track.

“We are here to support cancer survivors, to celebrate their successes with them, and to remember those who aren't here with us,” Tuttle said.

The event continued with teams of walkers circling the track throughout the day, concluding with a luminaria ceremony. The relay ended on Sunday morning with a closing ceremony.

Many nonprofit groups, businesses, and schools supported the event, which was being held in Fontana for the eighth year. Summit hosted the relay for the second time, and several Summit High School students were among the participants.

“Some of my family members have died from cancer, so I like the way we're giving back to the community with this event,” said Tyler Washington, a peer leader at Summit.

Entertainment during the event was provided by the Freddie Finn Dance Studio, Hazel Mountain, the Kaiser High School Jazz Band and Madrigals, Sheri Whitten, Sons and Daughters of the Surfing Cowboys, Summit High School, and Wayne Landes.

The City of Fontana and the Fontana Unified School District were the main sponsors of the event.

The Sons of Italy Joanne Coccia Lodge was also a primary sponsor, along with California Steel Industries, Chick-fil-A, Dave Bang Associates, Republic Services/Colton Disposal, Winning Smiles, Class Leasing, H&R Costume Jewelry, Herff-Jones, Kent Electric, and USWA Local 8599.

Several local clubs, including the Kiwanis Club, Breakfast Lions Club, and Rotary Club, were among the many supporters of the event.

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