COLTON>> Every year, hundreds of cancer survivors gather together to walk and raise funds and awareness for cancer.
The event, which first began in 1986, has long since been the staple movement for people all over who are either battling cancer or know of someone who is.
This years event brought together people and organizations from all over.
One of those people was Colton resident five-year cancer survivor, Jesus Villarruel.
Villarruel works for Riverside Highland Water company, and also for the California State Athletic Commission for Combative Sports, where he serves as an athletic inspector, someone who enforces the rules during professional fights.
As was the case for a lot of cancer survivors, the Relay for Life was a much anticipated event for Villarruel, as it gave him the chance to meet others who had gone through something similar.
Villarruel first became involved in the relay in 2013, whilst in his first year of remission. His sister mentioned that the relay might help to provide an understanding of what he was going through and that it would be a good way to get involved. "It helped me to understand that I'm not the only one," said Villarruel. "It's a way to get involved and forget about what you're going through. You just sort of forget that you're a cancer survivor."
This year, Villarruel invited famed boxer Leo Santa Cruz, as well as his father, Jose Santa Cruz.
Jose Santa Cruz, who also serves as as Leo's trainer, is currently battling cancer. "It meant so much to me to have the boxing community come out and support me," said Villarruel.
The Relay for Life took place nearly a year from when Villarruel had his first surgery. It was perhaps this that brought home the significance of this race in particular. "It just sort of hit me that its been five years and i'm still doing really good."
It has been a long road for Villarruel, but he notes that he is fortunate enough to have a job, Riverside Highland Water, which allows him the freedom to get to the medical appointments he needs, while still being able to work in the sport he loves.
Villarruel also thanks his wife, Monica Villarruel, who he names as being his "support and his rock" throughout the entire process.