By Mila Besich-Lira
The Superior High School Family Consumer Community Leaders of America held their annual Cancer Fight by Candle Light walk on Saturday. Each year the high school club hosts this event to raise funds for the American Cancer Society.
As the sun began to set behind Picket Post, hundreds of walkers started their trek down Sunset Drive to the Superior Memorial Football Field. The street was lined with luminaries honoring those who are fighting cancer, conquered the disease and have passed away from it.
This year, the club asked Angie Gomez to be the guest speaker for the event. Gomez is a native of Superior and graduate of Ray High School who recently conquered her battle with lymphoma.
During her speech, Gomez explained that she was going to keep her speech “real.” She explained how she was diagnosed and how her friends and family were supportive during her illness. She shared how she felt scared and how she felt about losing her hair and the other side effects of chemo therapy.
The event this year was held on the one year anniversary of the death of her mother, Wanda. Gomez shared with the crowd how her mother was always so comforting and encouraging during her diagnosis.
Following her speech Gomez sang with another Superior native, J-Ryda Silvas. The two have recently created a song called “Wishes and Dreams.”
Gomez is a local celebrity not only for conquering cancer but for also being a lead singer with The Powerdrive Band and is a radio personality for MEGA 104.3 radio station.
The FCCLA organization raises money for the American Cancer Society by selling t-shirts and luminaries. The Red Bear organization also helps with the event by preparing hamburgers for the group to sell to raise additional funds for the American Cancer Society.