Community Involvement, Inside CDCR Video, Rehabilitation

Folsom Relay for Life fosters unity

Folsom State Prison incarcerated people walking while holding a Relay for Life banner.
Cancer survivors lead the Relay for Life at Folsom State Prison.

Folsom State Prison hosted its ninth annual Relay for Life, fostering unity and teamwork in a shared commitment to fighting cancer.

Watch the video (story continues below):

The event, coordinated by Folsom’s Peer Education Program, was a resounding success thanks to the collaborative efforts of the incarcerated population and dedicated staff.

Participants were offered a variety of activities designed to engage and entertain. The lineup included classic games like tug-of-war, pickleball, cornhole, hacky sack and three-legged races.

At the heart of the event was the walk around the track, a poignant reminder of the Relay for Life’s mission.

Educational booths dotted the event space, providing crucial information about various types of cancers. This emphasis on awareness was a testament to the event’s dual focus on education and enjoyment.

Relay raises $23,000 to fight cancer

The fundraising efforts were extraordinary as $11,000 donations poured in from friends and family. Meanwhile, the incarcerated participants raised an additional $12,000, bringing the total to an impressive $23,000. These funds will make a significant impact in the fight against cancer.

To accommodate the general population, the day’s schedule was divided into two segments. Approximately 750 participants attended the first half and around 500 attended the second, ensuring everyone had an opportunity to participate.

Aside from raising funds, this year’s Relay for Life celebrated the diverse talents found in the incarcerated community. Live musicians, artists, model builders, and athletes showcased their skills, adding a personal touch to the event.

Folsom State Prison’s Relay for Life is more than just a fundraiser. The event promotes unity, creativity, and teamwork. The success of this event highlights the incredible spirit and generosity of the Folsom prison community, proving when we work together, we can make a difference.

Story by Lt. Chad Deal, Folsom State Prison, public information officer
Producer/Videographer/Editor: Clarissa Resultan, Television Specialist
Additional footage: Folsom State Prison Video Unit

See more community involvement stories.

Follow CDCR on YouTubeFacebookX (formerly Twitter). Listen to the CDCR Unlocked podcast.

Related content

Centinela State Prison incarcerated persons hide eggs for their children during Easter visiting.

CDCR staff, incarcerated make Easter special

Across California, CDCR and CCHCS staff helped make Easter special for children in the community as well as families visiting…

CDCR staff of the Office of Business Services talk to a business owner about contracting with the department.

CDCR connects via Small Business Administration event

CDCR is making connections thanks to staff from the Office of Business Services (OBS) participating in a recent Small Business…

On April 3, SATF donated funds and new stuffed animal toys to Valley Children’s Hospital in Madera.

SATF staff, population donate to children’s hospital

Staff and incarcerated people at the Substance Abuse Treatment Facility and State Prison in Corcoran (SATF) found joint purpose in…

San Quentin Warden Chance Andes during the SQRC Special Olympics Torch Run Kick Off.

SQRC Torch Run Kick Off supports Special Olympics

San Quentin Rehabilitation Center (SQRC) got the department started in style for this year’s Law Enforcement Torch Run with a…

The Occupational Mentor Certification Program at Ironwood State Prison proudly donated over $5,000 in goods to the Blythe community.

Mentors at Ironwood give back

An initiative at Ironwood State Prison started with a simple goal: to give back. Incarcerated mentors in the Occupational Mentor…

CMF Paws for Life banquet shows woman hugging dog with the following words superimposed: Better futures for all: rescue dogs, trainers, and CMF staff.

CMF hosts annual Paws for Life banquet

The gymnasium at California Medical Facility (CMF) in Vacaville was transformed for the annual banquet honoring Paws for Life K-9…