(Oct. 4, 2008) -- In an emotion packed event that drew nearly a thousand participants on Saturday morning (Oct. 4), LB's "Team Spirit Breast/Ovarian Cancer 10k Walk" raised $140,000 from walkers and supportive sponsors to aid doctors and patients fighting the cancers at LB Memorial Medical Center.

Walkers (organizers said at least 990 took part) began assembling at the Long Beach Yacht Club in Naples at about dawn...and by 8:00 a.m., an enthusiastic crowd had built.

The photo below shows the response when a podium speaker asked, "How many of you are fighting cancer, or know someone who is?"

Participants ranged from children to seniors, many wearing signs indicating they were walking to honor relatives and friends.

The two signs worn by the person below say, "Walking in support of my Mommy and my Grandma" and "Walking in Memory of Stacey & her mommy."

Members of "Team Bosman," walking to honor multiple persons.

As in previous years, Ralphs was a major corporate sponsor...and a large contingent of Ralphs employees took part.

This participant's sign reads, "Walking in support of my Mom, 10 year ovarian cancer survivor."

There was hope and humor. "Save the Tatas," declared these breast cancer walkers.

These walkers came from Bellflower.

Dr. Robert Nagourney, MD, Medical Director of LB Memorial Medical Center's Todd Cancer Institute addressed the crowd...and spoke of one patient who carries the breast/ovarian cancer gene (BRCA1) whose cancer saga began with a breast cancer diagnosis in 1971, recurrence in 1979; first ovarian cancer in 1984, recurrence in 1989, and recurrences through the 90s.

When I met her, she had failed all known therapies and it looked like there was no chance for her to get better. Based upon some laboratory work that we had been developing at Memorial Medical Center, we concocted a treatment for her and she remains well and free of disease four years later...George Herbert in 1600 said something which I really think is really true today. 'The best revenge is living well.' So I hope you will all be able to confront this cancer diagnosis and live well. Whether it's cured and vanquished, or whether it becomes a chronic illness that we live with and manage, I think living well is really what we all wish for.

Members of LB Memorial's "Breast Friends" support group -- who are survivors -- explained why they volunteer as mentors to help the newly diagnosed

Cindy Samuelson: "I know the importance of having breast cancer survivors be there for me when I was newly diagnosed. I kind of equate it to a soldier going to war for the first time..." Amelia ("Amy's Army") Hemsley: "I have an army because this is a battle. I am a warrior. It's going on three years that I'll be cancer free. (applause)...I've walked through this. I've lived through this..." Leslie Carr (survivor and also a nurse): "I've been in remission for a year and three months and eleven days (applause) and I feel like it's my turn to give back..."

And at about 8:15 a.m., the walkers took off on a course through Naples and nearby neighborhoods.

The $140,000 raised significantly exceeded organizers goal of $100k and demonstrated the growing strength of the LB-created and executed event.

Team Spirit describes itself as follows on its website -- www.teamspiritonline.org:

Team Spirit was founded on the belief that we can do more to help fight and raise awareness of breast and ovarian cancers in our local community. After being personally touched by both of these diseases, Team Spirit was formed in 2000 as a small grass roots organization.

Team Spirit consists of volunteer survivors and friends, and in honor of board members that have lost their battle. Team Spirit has collaborated with Memorial Medical Center Foundation at Long Beach Memorial Medical Center. LBMMC, with multiple locations throughout Southern California, has received national recognition for its outstanding record of innovation and medical advances...

Funds raised benefit women and men in and outside of Long Beach looking for nationally recognized medical care of breast and ovarian cancers...

100% of your donation goes directly to fund support groups, treatment and clinical research at Memorial Medical Center.

The release continues:

Ralphs Grocery Stores returned as a Presenting Sponsor for the second year. Additionally, Team Spirit's Board of Directors, consisting of Stacie Baker, Erin Johnson, Jacque Jones, Tina Miller, Wendy Miller, Kim Rokicki and Kelly Scribner have also secured sponsorships from many other local businesses...