Newtown Relay For Life Co-Chair Tracy Broomer holds a special place in her heart for the growing number of event sponsors who are lining up to help support this non sporting, community-wide fund- and awareness-raising event. This year's Relay opens at 5 pm on Saturday, May 21, and extends until 5 am Sunday, May 22.The Newtown Bee. "Our sponsors not only make a meaningful contribution in the fight to end cancer, by supporting the American Cancer Society and the Relay For Life of Newtown event, sponsors are sending a message to employees and customers that they care about the well-being of the Newtown community."The Hole: Facing Cancer.NYA Sports & Fitness Center in Fairfield Hills.tbroomer17@gmail.com or 203-491-2274, or contact regional ACS coordinator Alyssa Amaturo at Alyssa.Amaturo@cancer.org or 203-563-1511.by clicking here.

"Our lifesaving work in the fight against cancer would not be possible without the generosity of our local sponsoring businesses," Ms Broomer told

One of those sponsors is Ronald K Bellenot, Sr, Esq, of Bellenot & Boufford, LLC. Mr Bellenot, a first-time Relay supporter, said that he is inspired by loved ones who survived the fight as well as those he lost.

"I lost a brother-in-law and father-in-law to cancer," Mr Bellenot said. "And my mother-in-law, who lives with us, is a bone cancer survivor. She had a good portion of her jaw removed. She is now 88 and has been surviving for about 15 years. A paralegal in my office also lost her mom to cancer."

The local attorney said he became more aware of the important work of the American Cancer Society after viewing a film titled

Mr Bellenot said if he had one wish, it would be "to ease the suffering so many people endure every day." And he is finding a path to making that wish come true through his support for this significant local event.

This year's Relay has moved from the Blue & Gold Stadium at the high school back to

Ms Broomer said that there are opportunities for virtually any size local business to join in supporting the cause.

"There are a wide variety of sponsorship levels to choose from, and with each level you receive valuable visibility and sponsor benefits," she said. "If you or your employer would like to sponsor the Relay For Life of Newtown just send me an e-mail."

Any business or professional who wants to learn more can reach Ms Broomer at

Not ready to become a sponsor but interested in helping with the event for the day or just a few hours?

"Set up your own team," Ms Broomer said. "There are so many wonderful and diverse organizations, clubs, groups, and businesses in Newtown that do so many wonderful things on a daily basis. We'd love to invite them and their staff or volunteers to come to Relay, set up an informational table or tent."

Registration is free and participation with a booth can provide a great way to share news about upcoming events, as well as other opportunities and information about your organization.

"And if you have ever heard the words, 'You have cancer,' we invite you to participate in our event as a survivor," Ms Broomer said. "A cancer survivor is defined by the American Cancer Society as anyone who is living with cancer, from the date of diagnosis."

Whether you are a survivor or a caregiver, The Relay For Life of Newtown invites residents to be part of the May 21st Survivor luncheon at NYA.

"Our Survivor luncheon will begin at 3 pm on the patio at NYA Sports and Fitness," Ms Broomer said. "Lunch will be catered by Sal e Pepe Contemporary Italian Bistro with centerpieces for each table provided by the Newtown Florist. There will be raffles, giveaways and a special slideshow with our opening ceremony and first lap lead by our Survivors at 5 pm."

Anyone wishing to share a picture or memory with the Relay team and attendees, and have it added to the slideshow, forward them to the Relay organizer's e-mail account at newtownrelayforlife@gmail.com.

"Getting involved in the Relay For Life of Newtown can introduce you to others who are facing the same challenges, and provide opportunities for learning, sharing, and friendship," Ms Broomer said. Learn more, and register for the 2016 event

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