East County to host two Relay for Life fundraisers

Courtney and Chris Fensterle were contemplating having a second child when Courtney was diagnosed with cancer. It was May 2006, and she had gone in for a simple annual physical.

“They found a lump on my thyroid,” she said. “And even without a biopsy, they were pretty sure it was cancer.”

In the days that followed, the Fensterles decided that if they were able to get through the life-altering diagnosis, a second baby would be the perfect way to celebrate not only their family — but also life itself.

“It changes you; you get a certain clarity,” Courtney Fensterle said of a cancer diagnosis. “I’m a planner by nature, but something like this changes (your perception). So we thought, ‘Let’s go for it.’”

This weekend, that post-cancer daughter, Ryan, will be among the hundreds of participants in the Lakewood Ranch Relay for Life. She’ll stay up way past her bedtime with her father as they raise money for the American Cancer Society And although Ryan may be among the youngest participants, she’s not a Relay newbie.

“She was out there with us last year,” Courtney Fensterle said.

Lakewood Ranch’s Relay will begin with opening ceremonies at 3 p.m. April 14, at Lakewood Ranch High School, 5500 Lakewood Ranch Blvd. This year’s event will include a Survivors Lap, Luminaria Ceremony and more. Participating teams will host a variety of fundraising activities throughout the event, which will continue until 9 a.m. April 15. Just a few miles away, The Out-of-Door Academy also will host its own Relay from 6 to 11 p.m. April 13, at the school, 5950 Deer Drive, Lakewood Ranch.

The events give survivors and residents a chance to see how pervasive the disease has become.

“Even in our little community, it’s amazing and awe-inspiring,” Courtney Fensterle said of the Relay. “Especially the luminaries. When you see those, you know each one represents a person affected by cancer.”

Contact Michael Eng at [email protected].

EAST COUNTY RELAY FOR LIFE EVENTS
LAKEWOOD RANCH HIGH SCHOOL
WHEN: 3 p.m. April 14, to 9 a.m. April 15
WHERE: Lakewood Ranch High School, 5500 Lakewood Ranch Blvd.
FUNDRAISING TOTAL: $24,074 (as of April 9)

THE OUT-OF-DOOR ACADEMY
WHEN: 6 to 11 p.m. April 13
WHERE: The Out-of-Door Academy, 5950 Deer Drive, Lakewood Ranch
FUNDRAISING TOTAL: $19,335 (as of April 9)