David Stroud with Kobe Bryant. Photos courtesy of Amanda Carey.

Whenever anyone gets involved in Relay for Life – an overnight relay-style event consisting of teams of people who circle a track – it’s personal.

Such is the case with Team Stroud Strong, a Relay for Life team formed by Amanda Carey and Brian Ceppi to honor and support former Valencia High School student and basketball player David Stroud through his battle against Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.

“I have been involved in Relay for Life for 11 years, ever since my grandma was diagnosed with breast cancer,” Amanda said.  “I chose to help create Team Stroud Strong to remind Dave of all of the support he had at the time.”

The team participated in Relay for Life last Spring to help raise money in the fight against cancer, but to also show David how much he was loved and supported.  The community turned out for the team, which opened David’s eyes to the number of people who were in his corner cheering for him.

Then David lost his battle Aug. 20, 2011.

“We feel it is our duty to continue this team to help tell David’s story and to become one step closer to finding a cure for cancer,” Amanda said.

There are currently about 10 team members, consisting of David’s friends and family members.  They plan to continue raising money until the day of the relay on May 19.

“Although Dave is no longer with us, we hope to continue Team Stroud Strong in his honor, and to remind everyone that, ‘You never know how strong you are, until being strong is the only choice you have’ – the quote David lived by throughout his battle.”

The American Cancer Society’s 2012 SCV Relay for Life will begin May 19 at 9 a.m. at Santa Clarita Central Park.  For details visit SCVRelay.com. To support Team Stroud Strong, click here.