Diamond Bar Opens Heart and Wallets During Annual Relay

Hope was at home at Lorbeer Middle School, where hundreds walked, ran and even danced down a track as part of Diamond Bar’s 7th annual Relay for Life.

More than 700 people streamed in and out throughout the day, said Hala Murad, event organizer said.

“That is more than ever before,” Murad said. “We’ve had lots of teams that have come together and lots of sponsors.”

The annual relay event raises money for the American Cancer Society, which uses the money to fund research, support programs and awareness programs.

The $30,000 goal the group had set was surpassed before they arrived at Lorbeer on May 19. The event officially closes this morning with a brief ceremony scheduled for 8:30 a.m. and a final community lap at 9 a.m.

Several sponsors and teams set up tents and grills throughout the field. Some teams sold raffle tickets, while other sold items to raise money to add with that they received for walking.

Singers and musicians from in and around the area entertained the crowd. And as the warm day became a chilly night, the traditional luminaria was held to honor those who lost their battle with cancer and those still battling.

Tears were shed during a touching slide show held during the luminaria ceremony.

“Last year I honestly didn’t know if would be able to do something like this,” Michael Miyamoto, 17, a Walnut High School student who survived a battle with Leukemia. “I’ve been with living with cancer for that past 10 years. I don’t remember what life was like before that.”

He was diagnosed with Leukemia as a 7-year-old. The teen received a bone marrow transplant Sept. 30. He is now cancer free. The crowd was obviously touched during his emotional speech.

“My new birthday,” he called it.

“I went back to school on Jan. 16,” he told the crowd. “Last month I ran a 10K. I’ve gone snowboarding five times. I went to winter formal and prom. My life is good now. I am alive I have a future and will be graduating with my friends and going to college. And I am grateful for every new healthy day.”