Inspired by her aunt, 13-year-old Ashley Torres is looking to the future – a future where cancer can be crushed.

Torres’ aunt, Haydee Gonzales, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2011 and underwent surgery on April 11 of that year.

To mark the four years since the surgery, Torres planned and hosted her 13th birthday party asking for donations instead of presents. About 40 bowlers and 20 supporters turned out for the event raising $700 and kickstarting Torres’ Relay For Life team, “Cancer Crushers.” To date, the team has raised nearly $2,000.

“I always wanted to do something for (Gonzales),” Torres said about her aunt. “She’s beautiful – inside and out. Now she’s doing marathons and living life to its fullest. She inspires me.”

The Cancer Crushers will be taking part in their first Susquehanna County Relay For Life event, which gets underway Friday, June 26.

With the overall theme of “Decades,” Torres’ team with many teenage members will presenting the future at their site with a balloon pop game and pizza sales. “The activities at the tent are going to be a lot of fun,” Torres said.

Torres’ mother, Marlyn, said the help and support from the community has been overwhelming.
“Ashley is so proud to live in a community that supports the dreams of so many,” she said.

In addition to her work with Relay, Torres has volunteered at the Blueberry Festival, and Harvest Moon Festival.

“Ashley just wants to inspire others to go out and make a difference in some way,” Marilyn said.

Susquehanna County Relay For Life kicks off Friday afternoon with on-site registration and food tents opening at 4:30 p.m.

A survivor and caregiver dinner will be served at 5:30 p.m.

Opening ceremonies will take place at 7 p.m., followed by the survivor and caregiver lap at 7:30 p.m.

A survivor and caregiver dessert reception will be held at 8 p.m.

The luminaria ceremony gets underway at 9 p.m.

The closing ceremony will take place at 8:30 a.m., on Saturday.

Survivors and caregivers are encouraged to RSVP to Cindy Delaney, 570-562-9749. For more information visit, www.relayforlife.org/pasusquehanna