By Laura Newell
The Folsom Telegraph
More than 1,100 inmates walked in the fourth annual Folsom State Prison and Folsom Women’s Facility Relay for Life event last week, raising funds and awareness for cancer research.
According to Folsom State Prison Lt. Joe Tuggle, two six-hour relays were held simultaneously at each of the prisons where inmates have donated money to help the American Cancer Society.
“It is just an honor to be a part of this event today,” said Folsom Women’s Facility prisoner Shirley Williams, 38. “I am a cancer survivor. I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. I’m alive today because of this movement. If it wasn’t for the American Cancer Society and their nurses fighting for me, I would not have survived. This is just an honor to be here today participating in this event.”
At the men’s facility, 147 teams walked, while 37 female teams took part at the women’s facility. Both events included a celebration ceremony, survivors lap, cancer survivor speaker, luminaria ceremony and cancer education.
This year, the Folsom prison event raised $21,000 for American Cancer Society. Last year, the Folsom prison events raised just over $13,000, with 847 participants, 99 teams and 17 cancer survivors participating.
At Folsom State Prison, prisoner Amado Nunez, 43, walked in the event for a mother of a loved one in his life....