Relay For Life Readies Its 2011 Kickoff

By John Voket

The balmy breezes of early June may seem light years away as Newtown chips and skids its way through one of the most punishing winters in recent memory. But Relay For Life organizers are calling the community out for a big warm-up session as the community launches into preparations for the 2011 celebration with a renewed theme of “Even More Birthdays.”

The free community kickoff is set for February 3 at 7 pm in the Newtown Middle School cafeteria, according to Relay Chair Addie Sandler. Ms Sandler is hoping many residents will turn out for cake, an opportunity to meet the 2011 Honorary Chairs, and hear about a number of new developments with the event.

Ms Sandler will also conduct an official “meet and greet” for Newtown’s brand-new American Cancer Society liaison, Debbie Colgan.

“We want to really show Debbie why we all say it’s nicer in Newtown,” Ms Sandler said. “It would be great for anyone who has been previously involved in Relay, as well as for anyone who wants to learn all about it, to come out to the kickoff to welcome our new ACS coordinator and our honorary chairs.”

The event will also unveil what Ms Sandler described as a “weather-proof contingency” after severe storms forced an evacuation of last year’s event. She said plans are in the final stages to simply relocate the relay walkers to an indoor location where they can pick up where they left off on the track, in the event of another threatening weather incident.

Ms Sandler said there will also be news of new relay participant and team recognition programs with the American Cancer Society.

Above all, Ms Sandler stressed that in 2011, she wants to ensure all local residents realize that the Relay For Life is not a race or sporting event, but more of a community rally “where anyone touched by cancer, any family member, survivor or caregiver can come and celebrate life, and support those engaged in the fight.”

Ms Sandler said residents can learn more about the upcoming event, and follow activities and related news at either the local website or the Newtown Relay Facebook page.

The American Cancer Society Relay For Life is a life-changing event that gives everyone in communities across the globe a chance to celebrate the lives of people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and fight back against the disease.

At Relay, teams of people camp out at Fairfield Hills and take turns walking or running around a track. Each team is asked to have a representative on the track at all times during the event. Because cancer never sleeps, Relays are overnight events up to 24 hours in length.

While Newtown’s event runs overnight, it is a 12-hour activity.