Councilmember and His Wife Walk for a Cure

Councilmember Tom LaBonge accompanied his wife, Brigid, and members of the Griffith Park community in an overnight walk to raise awareness and funds for cancer research and education. The event began on Saturday at 9 a.m. and ended Sunday at 9 a.m.
Mrs. LaBonge, the Relay for Life Griffith Park Communities Chair, is a cancer survivor. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2006 and has worked tirelessly since then to educate the public about the disease that will victimize over 150,000 Californians this year, according to The American Cancer Society estimates.
"Despite the recent economic struggle, it’s important for us to remember that people are still getting sick. Those of us who are healthy need to continue to work to help raise money for education, advocacy and research to end the scourge of this horrible disease," said Brigid LaBonge, chair of the event. She has been cancer-free for four years.
“I thank God every day for my wife, and I pray for everyone who has lost their loved ones to this horrible disease,” the Councilmember said. “The American Cancer Society estimates nearly 1.5 million people will be diagnosed with cancer this year. It’s time we found a cure.”
Throughout the day, participants and their families enjoyed food, games and music. The American Cancer Society also provided cancer education. The fundraiser was underscored by a nighttime ceremony for cancer victims, survivors and their families who placed luminaria to light the walking path beginning at the historic Mulholland Fountain. Mike Maldonado, the ceremony speaker, recounted his experience losing his daughter, Julisa, to cancer.
The event raised $21,000 and counting. Donations will be accepted through August 31, 2010. For more information or to donate, please visit www.RelayForLife.org/GriffithParkCA.