TheBakersfieldCalifornian.com

The American Cancer Society's annual gala, Grand Hollywood Love Stories, as always, will celebrate some of the sweeping romances of the silver screen: Bogie and Bacall, Leigh and Olivier; Gable and Lombard.

But, as it so often goes in Hollywood, sometimes the most compelling stories are the ones that are played out behind the scenes, away from the gilded glare of the spotlight. And this Bakersfield event is no exception.

A dedicated husband-and-wife team will work this year, as they have every year since the event's inception, to ensure that the glitzy engagement goes off without a hitch. Their names may not ring a bell, but this couple has their own story of strength, support and survival worthy of the silver screen. Cheryl and Bruce Biggar, both Bakersfield natives and longtime volunteers at the American Cancer Society, are also both cancer survivors.

Their love story began nearly 22 years ago after they were introduced by a mutual friend. Six short weeks later, they got married.

"That's definitely not the way we typically make decisions," Mrs. Biggar laughed. "We just both decided that we were the right people, and that it was the right time in our lives."

The couple's relationship with the American Cancer Society has lasted considerably longer than their courtship; they have been volunteering in excess of 20 years. They began by participating in Relay for Life events, helping to raise donations, or working in the Discovery Shop, a resale store that helps support the fight against cancer.

"At the time that we became involved with the Cancer Society, we were involved because we certainly thought then, as we still do now, it's a very good cause and that looking for various cures for cancer is always worthwhile," said Mrs. Biggar. "Then, about 11 years ago, I was diagnosed with breast cancer, and it became far more personal."

Faced with fighting an advanced case of the disease, Mrs. Biggar quelled her initial fears after being diagnosed by reading and researching the various studies and treatment options available to her. And, after her initial surgery, during her six months of chemotherapy treatment, she relied upon the support of her friends and husband to help her through the more difficult days.

"My chemo didn't really stop me from working and doing other things, but did it leave me feeling puny? Yes, it certainly did," she said. "And so my husband was there to help transport me around, and just kind of be there, preparing meals, which he does all the time anyway, but being a caregiver of sorts."

Then, less than a year ago, Biggar was diagnosed with prostate cancer, and his former role of being the caregiver was passed on to his wife. Fortunately, Biggar discovered his cancer early, and did not need to undergo chemotherapy.

Nevertheless, Biggar called on his wife for support during the lengthy process of visiting doctors and receiving consultations at various treatment centers, so he could decide the best way to deal with his cancer. And through it all, "Cheryl was right there with me," he said.

In spite of their health struggles, the couple's devotion to volunteering their time to the Cancer Society never waned. In fact, they both began to take on greater responsibilities, holding leadership positions on various boards and committees, including what is now known as the Grand Hollywood Love Stories gala.

Although neither are the chair this year, both have been working in their own ways to prepare for the fundraiser, hosted for the second consecutive year at the Petroleum Club. Mrs. Biggar is collecting the impressive array of auction items up for bid, while her husband handled the more "logistical" side of things.

The two hope to raise enough money to meet this year's goal of $125,000, which will be used to help finance the American Cancer Society's ongoing medical research.

"With all the advances they've made, and most notably, because of the advent of computers, and all the wonderful things you can do with them -- the digital imaging equipment, the robotic surgeries, all the fancy diagnostic equipment -- you're not only seeing more people being diagnosed, but being diagnosed earlier," Biggar said. "And right now, that's the best way for us to beat this bloody thing."