ColtonStrong fundraising event benefits 2 families, unites community in fight against cancer

On Saturday May 11th at Elizabeth Davis Park in Colton, Richard Corral held a ColtonStrong fundraiser for Coach Jason Ramos who is battling bone marrow cancer, and for the family of Elizabeth Morales who recently passed away due to pancreatic cancer.

It was a fun filled event for the community which featured a live DJ, food including fresh menudo, games for the family, a horseshoe competition and Custom Car show.

The event was not short in sponsers as there were plenty of contributers including Echoes of Love Ministry, 599 Trophy, Custom Wellness and more with Life Stream holding a bone marrow drive during the fundraiser.

I had the chance to speak with Coach John Ramos about how he is processing all of this and for him he was full of gratitude. “Don’t Quit” was Ramos’s message for anyone battling cancer and for their loved ones. For him it’s about facing the task head-on saying, “ I have to lead by example. What coach would I be to my kids if I didn’t act on the words I teach.”

Unfortunately not everyone the fundraiser supported was present as Elizabeth Morales recently lost her battle to pancreatic cancer, but she was well represented by loved ones and a strong community showing. I had the pleasure of speaking with her son John Morales in which he said he was “very appreciative, it means a lot that everyone is here.” John continued, “My mother knew alot of people. ” As it was apparent by the number of friends who came to support the fundraiser and the many businesses willing to offer a helping hand to the family in need.

When talking to Corral about the importance of organizing this event his two main words were “awareness and unity.” That’s what it was about for him and the family because for them cancer has been their battle for sometime. For them it has been a costly one but, according to Corral, not once have their spirits hindered, as it gives them an opportunity to grow together and become stronger.

Colton is known for many successes and the joys are shared amongst its own. There is a pride within the city, but when challenges come no one is left facing it alone. Yvonne Corral said it best, “when one hurts, we all hurt” and there was no better way of showcasing that during my time at ColtonStrong.

Richard Corral would like to thank the following individuals/businesses who donated and supported the ColtonStrong event for Liz and Jason, and apologizes if he left anyone out: Terry and Richard DeLaRosa and family, Team Lizzie, Lisa, Sharon, Renee, Valerie, Nick, Jerry, Missy, Mike, Erica, Cecilia, Carol, Steve, Anthony, Stephanie, Roxanne, Virgie, Marie Rosemary; Vengeance Ink, Colton Advance Silkscreening, Colton Cuts, 599 Trophy, Trade Print, Nickelodeon, Colton Yellowjackets Varsity Football, IBEW 47, Inland empire Nephrology Inc., City of Colton Parks and Recreation, OlD School 104.7 FM; Suavesitos Car Club, One way Car Club, Variety, Viejitos, Bomb Life and all solo riders.