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A Torch Relay for Cancer Stricken KidsSponsore by theLAPDTookPlace...

On Monday, May 25, a group of 26 brave young children, each battling serious forms of cancer ran the Los Angeles Marathon in the First Sunshine Kids Torch Relay. Each child walked or ran one mile before passing the Torch to the next child - demonstrating their strength and courage in the face of life threatening illnesses.

The children come from various communities from San Diego to Bakersfield including Los Angeles and the South Bay cities of California.

Tessa MacPherson, 12, a resident of Redondo Beach, California who had been active in her Torrance Girl Scout Troop before she was diagnosed with Germ Cell cancer two years ago said: I'sm glad I did this one for Sunshine Kids- so kids with cancer can continue to get help and support.

The Torch Relay is sponsored by The Sunshine Kids Foundation, a non-profit nationwide organization dedicated to providing exciting positive and fun group activities to kids with cancer throughout the United States. Running alongside them were members of the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) including Police Chief William Bratton.

A spokesperson for Chief Bratton said that, Chief Bratton was proud to participate in the Torch Relay in continued support of these children who demonstrate their strong courage in the face of severe adversity. The LAPD, has since August 2006, been supporting the work of The Sunshine Kids Foundation and will continue to do so.

The close relationship between the LAPD and the Sunshine Kids Foundation first developed in August of 2006 when G.W. Bailey, Executive Director of the Foundation and an actor on the TV show The Closer and the movie Police Academy approached LAPD Detective Mike Bercham, (then a consultant for the show), and asked if he could arrange to provide an LAPD police car for the kids to look at while they toured the set at Raleigh Studios.

To the surprise of all, Bercham delivered 35 cars, one for each kid, 30 police motorcycles, and conducted a rooftop ceremony at the nearby Sheraton Universal Hotel which included LAPD Assistant Chief Jim McDonnell who officially deputized each kid. The rooftop ceremony was such a hit it became an annual tradition between the LAPD and the Sunshine Kids. Many jointly planned activities followed culminating in the Torch Relay this year.

Each kid wore a yellow t-shirts and carried a Sunshine Kids Torch. A special flag was held by a volunteer accompanying the kids during the race, said Sunshine Kids Activities Director, Amy Cortina. This is the first time we have attempted the Torch Relay. I am so proud of these kids and, with the continuing support of the LAPD, we are hoping to make this an annual event, she added.

Approximately 120 people including kids and their families arrived at the Parker Center Police Station the morning of the race. The LAPD will then shuttled each kid to their designated location and picked him/her up when they finished their mile. A large black LAPD vehicle served as a sub station or resting area for the kids. Additional all day Sunshine Kids vans were stationed at the Parker Center Station to shuttle families to the sub station so they could join their kids. Kids, families, volunteers and police officers will walked the final block together led by Chief Bratton and Central Area Captain Blake Chow.

Afterward, everyone was be invited back to the Parker Center Police Station to enjoy a barbecue complete with hot dogs, hamburgers, chips and beverages. A medal ceremony follows with Captain Chow awarding medals to all the kids who participated in the marathon.

The Sunshine Kids Foundation was established in 1982 and its stated mission is to enhance the quality of life of children with cancer so that they may once again do what kids are supposed to do- have fun and celebrate life!

For more information about the Sunshine Kids Foundation call: Jane Walker at 310-977-1414, or e-mail Brooks Tomb, Director of Sunshine Kids Western Region: brooksla(at)sunshinekids(dot)org or call 323-769-2520, 323-810- 5467

Contact Info:

Jane Feldman, Public Relations, Hermosa Beach

Cell: 310-9771414

Jack Richter, Senior Lead Officer

Los Angeles Police Dept

Tel: 951-532-5766

Brooks Tomb or Amy Cortina

Sunshine Kids Foundation Western Region

Tel: 323-769-2520

Cell: 818-613-4604

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