Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard participated as the honorary chairperson in the opening ceremony for the American Cancer Society’s 7th Annual Southeast Cities Relay for Life, which took place at Huntington Park High School. About 200 people participated in the festivities. At the ceremony, Congresswoman Roybal-Allard commended the volunteers for their show of support for individuals and families who have been affected by cancer. She also joined cancer survivors, including her sister Lillian Roybal Rose, in walking the first quarter-mile lap of the relay. This year’s Southeast Cities Relay For Life was organized by volunteers and includes participation from the cities of Bell, Cudahy, Huntington Park, Maywood, and South Gate. Pictured: Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard, left, joined Aida Molina and the congresswoman’s sister, Lillian Roybal Rose, both of whom are cancer survivors, in lighting a candle at the opening ceremony for the relay. Pictured left to right: Dante D’Eramo, Huntington Park Chamber of Commerce; City of Huntington Park Mayor Elba Guerrero; Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard; and the Congresswoman’s sister, Lillian Roybal Rose.

The following is the full text of Congresswoman Roybal-Allard’s remarks given at the event:

“Good morning. As today’s Honorary Chair, it is my pleasure to welcome you to the 7th Annual American Cancer Society’s Southeast Cities Relay for Life.

I also welcome you to the 34th Congressional District. As your representative in Washington, D.C., I am honored to join you today as we remember those who have lost their lives to cancer and to celebrate the lives of those who have survived.

I commend all of you who have volunteered your time and energy to participate in today’s event.

I am proud to have worked with the American Cancer Society’s tireless volunteers over the years as a partner in the effort to eliminate cancer as a major health problem.

Last September, some of you visited me in Washington, D.C., to garner support for a legislative agenda to improve the prevention, detection and treatment of cancer. During that meeting, I was proud to sign the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network's "Congressional Cancer Promise", a promise I sign each Congress.

I will continue to work with you and our friends at the American Cancer Society to advocate for federal funds for screening for our low-income and medically underserved communities, the National Cancer Institute, and the Centers for Disease Control’s cancer prevention program.

Some of you may know that cancer has recently impacted my family in a more personal way, as we all support my sister in her fight against breast cancer. She is one of the reasons I am here today.

Her name is Lillian, and I dedicate my walk around the track to her, and to all those whose lives have been touched by cancer in our community.

I wish you all a great deal of spirit, strength and endurance as you walk today and reflect on what this day means for all of us. Thank you.”

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