Relay For Life Coming To Newtown June 12–13

By Kaaren Valenta

Ivette Gerics always wanted to become a volunteer for the American Cancer Society (ACS) but it always seemed that something came up that took precedence. It wasn’t until her father developed non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma 11 years ago that she finally took the step.

“I had to channel my anger to something positive,” she explained.

About eight years ago she contacted the ACS and asked them to “give me something no one wants to do.”

“They gave me the Daffodil Days fundraising job,” she said, “and I did that for about eight years.”

Last year Ms Gerics decided she wanted to do more. She teamed up with her friend Dawn Escoda to bring the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life to Newtown. The cancer society’s annual signature event, held in nearly 4,2000 communities across the country, will take place at Newtown High School overnight on June 12–13.

“Since I have lived in Newtown, I’ve heard of so many people including children and young adults that have been diagnosed with cancer,” Ms Gerics said. “I decided that I’ve had it. The time has come to do something really significant in Newtown to help fight cancer, as well to honor those who have died and those who have survived.”

Dawn Escoda was eager to help. Cancer had touched her family several times.

“My grandfather died of lung cancer, my godmother died of ovarian cancer,” she said. “My in-laws and my husband’s best friend are all cancer survivors.”

Ivette Gerics’ father, Flavio Manduley, 64, lives in Woodbury. He has battled non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma for 11 years. Twice it went into remission; three times it has come back. Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system, which normally protects the body from disease. In non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, some cells in the lymphatic system grow abnormally and become cancerous.

“I told myself right from the beginning that I will not let this get me,” Mr Manduley said. “I did not miss a day of work.”

Mr Manduley was in charge of systems engineering for Pitney Bowes at the company’s technology center in Shelton and had 60 patents in his name by the time he retired two years ago.

There are many different kinds of cancer — some medical organizations list as many as 200 — that can involve any part of the body and require different treatments. Mr Manduley soon learned that there are also different types of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, some aggressive, others slow growing and unpredictable.

Ironically, the aggressive form responds better to treatment. The first time Mr Manduley was diagnosed, he was treated with oral chemotherapy. The second time, intravenous chemotherapy was used. Since he developed another tumor a year and a half ago, the doctors have taken a “wait and see” attitude. “As long as it isn’t growing, they are just keeping an eye on it,” he said.

Today, millions of people are living with cancer or have had cancer. The sooner a cancer is found and treatment begins, the better are the chances for living for many years.

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. Half of all men and one-third of all women in the United States will develop cancer during their lifetimes.

Relay For Life is a fun-filled, emotional, 12-hour event that that mobilizes communities across the country to celebrate survivors — anyone who has ever been diagnosed with cancer — remember loved ones, and raise money for the fight against cancer.

“I have personally participated in the Cheshire Relay For Life and can vouch for the fact that is an event not to miss,” said Mary Marinaccio, a Newtown resident who has two sisters fighting breast cancer.

“The camaraderie of the relay teams, the spirit of the those who have survived their battle with cancer and the courage of those still in the fight provide a mix that left me feeling humbled in my contribution of a few hours of time and more committed to raising more dollars for cancer research,” she said.

“Relay For Life is as much an awareness raiser about the progress against cancer as it is a fundraiser,” Ms Escoda said. “Individuals who are willing to give their time and energy to this exciting event as a volunteer or participant have made a commitment to fight back against this disease and let the community know that you can beat cancer.”

Teams of eight to 15 members — drawn from friends, families, businesses, hospitals, schools, and churches — will gather with tents and sleeping bags to spend the night and walk the track. Teams seek sponsorship prior to the relay, all with the goal of eliminating cancer, and are also holding fundraisers like garage sales and car washes. Volunteers are needed to organize and recruit teams, seek community support, coordinate logistics, find refreshments and prizes, plan entertainment, and lend their support in any way. Terri Greenfield is the chairman of team recruitment; for more information call 426-6018.

Corporate sponsors also are needed; for more information contact Diane Lavin at dianelavin@hotmail.com.

During Relay For Life, the track is lined with lighted luminarias, each honoring a survivor or as a memorial. Alice Mascher is in charge of the committee that is selling the luminarias, $10 each. The luminarias are available at Bob Tendler’s office, 17 Church Hill Road. Anyone who is interested in helping this committee should contact Ms Mascher at 364-1957.

Survivors play an integral role in the rally. They are honored, encouraged, and celebrated as they attend the survivor reception, unite in a “victory lap” to kickoff the rally and participate in the luminarias ceremony. All cancer survivors are invited to participate. For more information contact Peg Redmond at 426-3937 or Kathy Albano at 364-1447 or email newtownrelay@yahoo.com.

To volunteer on the Relay For Life committee, contact Dawn Escoda at 270-7451 or Ivette Geric at 426-2589. For more information on cancer, call the American Cancer Society at 800-ACS-2345, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, or visit www.cancer.org.

The American Cancer Society is the nationwide community-based voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives, and diminishing suffering from cancer through research, education, advocacy, and service.