Looking For Cancer Survivors

For Newtown’s Relay For Life

Newtown will be hosting its first-ever Relay for Life, the American Cancer Society’s signature event, on June 12–13 at Newtown High School. Relay for Life is a fun-filled, overnight event that mobilizes communities throughout the nation to celebrate cancer survivors — anyone who has ever been diagnosed with cancer — remember loved ones, and raise money for the fight against cancer.

“Relay for Life empowers survivors to fight back against cancer,” said Dawn Escoda, event co-chairman. “Survivors are an integral role to Newtown’s relay and they are proof that the money raised is working. We are seeing survivorship grow year after year, making strides toward elimination.”

During Relay for Life, cancer survivors are honored, encouraged, and celebrated as they are invited to unite in a “victory lap” to kick off the relay.

“Relay inspires hope in the fight against cancer and educates survivors and their families and friends about the American Cancer Society and the services and programs that it provides,” said Aimee Zinser, an organizer from the American Cancer Society’s Western Connecticut chapter.

Anyone who is a cancer survivor and who would like to attend the Survivor Reception and participate in the Survivor Lap and Luminaria Ceremony remembering loved ones lost to cancer and honoring those who have survived, should contact Peg Redmond at 426-3937 or Kathy Albano at 364-1447 or email the information to newtownrelay@yahoo.com.

The American Cancer Society also urges local companies to take up the fight against cancer by becoming sponsors of Relay for Life. There are many ways, including an outright donation, to be a corporate sponsor. To get involved and receive more information, contact Diane Lavin at dianelavin@hotmail.com.

“Cancer touches the lives of everyone, and involvement in Relay for Life is a great way to show that a company cares,” said Ms Escoda.

Relay for Life also is a fundraiser. During the event, teams of people gather and take turns walking laps. Each team tries to keep at least one team member on the track at all times.

More than 70 teams have signed up so far to participate in the Newtown event. Each team member is asked to raise money before the event. Teams solicit donations, have garage sales, hold car washes, and stage other fundraisers.

Relay for Life is the American Cancer Society’s signature event. This year Newtown will be among the more than 2,900 towns expected to participate in the overnight event that celebrates survivorship and raises funds for cancer research and programs of the American Cancer Society.

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. For more information about the American Cancer Society, call 800-ACS-2345, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, or visit www.cancer.org.