Team Menlo, made up of more than 20Menlo Park city employees, raised over $2,500 for the American Cancer Society's Menlo Park Relay for Life event on Aug. 9th and 10th at Burgess Park. During the annual 24-hour event, team members, several of whom are cancer survivors themselves, took turns walking the track to raise much-needed funds and awareness to save lives from cancer.

Team Menlo participants included representatives from the Police, Public Works, Finance, and Community Services departments, as well as the City Council and City Manager’s Office. Sgt. Matthew Ortega from the Police Department achieved the distinction of completing a marathon during the event, covering the full 26.2 miles in approximately 8 hours. The team raised donations from city staff, family, and friends. The team also received generous support from members of the Menlo Park Fire Protection District, who were on hand to barbeque. Team Menlo was honored with the Bronze Award based on their fundraising efforts and was among the top 10 fundraisers at the event. “We were honored to walk the Survivors’ Lap with coworkers who have fought their battle with cancer and won,” said team captain Carolina Gaskin. “We are also very happy with the success of the event and its outcome in support of the American Cancer Society.”  In total, the Menlo Park event raised nearly $65,000 to fund cancer research and support programs for cancer patients, their families and caregivers. For more information, please visit the Relay for Life Team Menlo webpage.