A Day Of Hope For Cancer

To the Editor:

Sunday, March 21, was a beautiful day for people and dogs to come together and honor both human and canines fighting cancer and those who have lost the battle. We started with a walk through Fairfield Hills which included a lot of doggie play time and a visit from the cable network Animal Planet. The weather was perfect. Then, we gathered at the CH Booth Library for a presentation by Luke Robinson. Mr Robinson has walked here from Austin, Texas, with his two dogs to raise awareness and seek answers to the epidemic of cancer we face in this country.

It was very poignant to see dogs and people walking together with hope in this fight against cancer. My favorite sight was that of the three-legged dogs who were full of life and joy. What a lesson for us all to keep fighting. The day was made possible by the generosity of so many.

A big thank you goes to Bob Geckle for facilitating the use of the beautiful Fairfield Hills campus for us. Officer Maryhelen McCarthy of the NPD kept us company with her big smile and helpful personality. Janet Woycik facilitated our use of the meeting room for our meet and greet. Her staff was extremely accommodating as well. Tom and Mary-Kay Novak of Your Healthy Pet sponsored the meet and greet and provided great nutritional information and samples of some of the products stocked in their store. The Newtown Bee was present for both events, a great big thank you goes to Kendra, Nancy, and Shannon for their help with this. Monica Roberto created the beautiful fliers which advertised the event and Marleen Cafarelli videotaped the event. Celeste Riccio distributed the event information far and wide. Please forgive me if I forgot to mention anyone.

The biggest thank you goes to all of the people and dogs who came out to join us, including people from five different states who drove several hours to be here.

If you would like more information about Luke’s incredible journey and what he has planned once he arrives in Boston, please visit www.2dogs2000miles.org

Thank you,

Jodi Bialik

Briarwood Lane, Newtown                                           March 23, 2010