Why Trees Along Colorado Boulevard Have Purple Ribbons

The color purple is usually associated with royalty. But did you know that purple also represents cancer—and that dozens of purple ribbons have been fluttering from trees since Saturday afternoon on the medians along Colorado Boulevard?

A lot of folks in Eagle Rock have been curious about the sudden appearance of the ribbons this past weekend. Some have wondered if the ribbons are associated with Passover or Easter—and it's not hard to see why. After all, pink ribbons are the well-known symbol for breat cancer. What's purple about?

According to Evan Saito, relay manager for the American Cancer Society, the ribbons are meant to represent all forms of cancer.

Relay for Life volunteers and team members posted the ribbons on Saturday afternoon, Saito told Patch. The volunteers and team members also left flyers and posters in local businesses in the hope of spreading awareness about the annual two-day event during which teams of participants take turns to keep walking or running around tracks for 24 hours. One of the key Relay for Life events this year is scheduled at on May 19.

While most of the ribbons are tied to the branches and trunks of trees on Colorado Boulevard, roughly between Merton and Townsend, the ribbons can also be seen on assorted spots along Eagle Rock Boulevard.

“We weren’t able to get in touch with anyone from the city in time last Friday,” said Saito, adding that the ACS is concerned if the community is being bothered by the ribbons in any way.

“If you need us to take them down, just let us know,” he said, adding that his office has already informed the LAPD about the ribbons after some residents called the police to inquire about their sudden appearance.

“Ideally, we want to leave the ribbons up till the middle of May,” Saito said.

He said he isn’t sure if the ribbons made a similar appearance during the 2011 Relay for Life. “This year’s relay is much bigger,” he said, explaining why the ACS is particularly eager to get the word out in 2012.

Some people turn on purple lights in the porches of their homes to help spread awareness about the fight against cancer during the run up to Relay for Life, Saito said. He added that some City Halls in the L.A. area also shine purples lights on their buildings during night as a show of solidarity and support for cancer victims.