Relay for Life — Friday, 5:30 p.m., to Saturday, 11 a.m., on the Friday Harbor High School football field — raises money for the American Cancer Society. To put a face on the fight against cancer and encourage participation in Relay for Life, families submitted to The Journal photos of loved ones who fought the battle. See SanJuanJournal.com for other profiles.

Patti Benz

Patti was diagnosed with breast cancer the same time we learned she was pregnant with Allison in June 2000. She underwent a mastectomy and chemo while pregnant, and delivered Allison in January 2001, then more chemo.

She is a cancer survivor as no relapses for six years (five on Tamoxifen), though the good Lord called her home on Dec. 28, 2006 from heart failure.

She was proud to walk in the Relay with our daughter Alli, our miracle baby. I am crying now as I recall those precious times.

Patti is a loving and devoted wife and mother, whom we dearly miss.

— Bob Benz