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relay-for-lifeFOLSOM-

The iron gates and barbed wire fences of Folsom Prison aren’t strong enough to keep cancer out.

“I actually got cancer and I am in remission,” said Pesefeau Utu, an inmate at Folsom Prison.

Uto got a rare type of blood cancer while behind bars. Many other inmates experienced cancer through a friend’s or family member’s struggle.

“I am just a strong supporter of cancer survivors and I just want to find a cure for Americans,” said Monica Oliva, an inmate at Folsom Women’s Facility.

That is why it wasn’t difficult to get the inmates at the men and women’s prisons in Folsom on board and supporting relay for life.

A total of 588 inmates participated, raising $14,400 for cancer research.

The relay started early in the morning and wrapped up in the afternoon.

The inmates say they hope to keep increasing the amount of their donation to Relay For Life, adding that it’s their way of giving back for all the bad things they have done.