Key for a Cure announces 2026 Warrior Award recipients
SALINAS — A Key for a Cure Foundation has announced Jayaan Nasta and Wyatt Ann Ingersoll as the 2026 recipients of the Jannel Sweigert Warrior Award, which honors children and families facing pediatric cancer.
The two children, who have received support from the foundation, will be recognized during the sixth annual Key for a Cure Golf Tournament benefiting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital on Monday, Oct. 5, at Corral de Tierra Country Club in Salinas.
Nasta, 6, of the Bay Area is battling medulloblastoma, a form of brain cancer. He has experienced complications from treatment and brain surgery, including swelling, seizures and infections, and is currently relearning how to speak while continuing treatment and recovery. Ingersoll was diagnosed with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia at 4 months old. Her family, which is rooted in the barrel racing community, is seeking temporary housing closer to the hospital to reduce travel during her ongoing treatment.
“These families are facing moments no parent should ever have to endure, yet they continue to show incredible courage, faith and strength every single day,” said Liz Sweigert of A Key for a Cure Foundation. “The Warrior Award is a reminder that our community stands beside them — not only financially, but emotionally and spiritually as well. We hope these stories inspire others to support families fighting pediatric cancer and help us continue bringing hope where it is needed most.”
The annual golf tournament raises funds and awareness for pediatric cancer research and support services through St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. More information about the tournament, sponsorship opportunities and ways to support the foundation is available at bit.ly/3k8vXTV.
Lofgren hosts immigration forum in Soledad
SOLEDAD — Rep. Zoe Lofgren will host an in-person fireside chat on immigration issues Monday, Oct. 5, for residents of California’s 18th Congressional District.
The event will take place from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in Soledad. Lofgren said she will discuss actions taken by the Trump administration and House Democrats’ proposals for changes to the immigration system.
Registration is required, and space is limited to the first 400 people who RSVP. The exact location will be provided to registered attendees before the event. Residents can register and submit questions at lofgren.house.gov/firesidechat.
Salinas Valley Health offers free flu clinics
MONTEREY COUNTY — Salinas Valley Health will offer four free community flu clinics throughout Monterey County in October, with no appointments required.
The clinics are open to all community members, with Salinas Valley Health staff and Hartnell nursing student volunteers providing flu vaccinations.
“Every year, our clinical and non-clinical staff volunteer to take part in these flu clinics because we believe in the power of vaccination,” said Dr. Allen Radner, Salinas Valley Health president/CEO. “Getting vaccinated reduces the risk of severe illness, hospitalization and even death. Getting vaccinated also helps protect the most vulnerable people in our community. We want to help our community stay healthy this winter and encourage everyone to take advantage of our outreach efforts.”
The first clinic will be held Wednesday, Oct. 7, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Main Street Middle School, 441 Main St., in Soledad. A clinic is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 10, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Taylor Farms Family Health and Wellness Center, 850 Fifth St., in Gonzales. The third clinic will take place Monday, Oct. 19, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Alisal High School, 777 Williams Road, in Salinas. The final clinic is scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 25, from noon to 3 p.m. at Castroville Elementary School, 11161 Merritt St., in Castroville.
The Gonzales and Castroville clinics also will feature community resources and health fairs, giving residents an opportunity to connect with additional health and community services.
For more information, visit salinasvalleyhealth.com/flu or call the Health Promotion Department at 831-759-1890.
Hometown Heroes program honors local veterans, service members
GONZALES — City of Gonzales is inviting local veterans and active-duty service members to participate in its Hometown Heroes program, which honors members of the community who have served in the military.
The program is presented in partnership with American Legion Post 81 and American Legion Auxiliary Unit 81. Eligible participants include current or former military members who reside in Gonzales, as well as family members of people who served while living in the city.
American Legion Post 81 and Auxiliary Unit 81 will contribute $20 toward the cost of each recognition sign, reducing the participant cost to $35.
Applications are available at Gonzales City Hall. The deadline to submit an application is Friday, Oct. 9. For more information, contact ja****@************ca.us or call 831-675-4206.
