A Community’s Continued Dedication To A Difficult Fight

To the Editor:

I want to thank everyone that helped to coordinate Newtown’s Relay For Life 2010. In addition to the usual areas of coordination like cancer awareness, finance, registration, survivorship, food, parking, and luminaria sales, we had to contend with evacuation to the Reed School because of a band of thunderstorms and a tornado warning. Carl Samuelson and the entire Parks and Recreation crew did a heroic job keeping participants safe and securing the field. In addition, many people stepped up to help in the emergency. The Bandolins, who had been performing at the Relay, stayed to entertain the crowd at the Reed School, independent bus drivers volunteered to transport people to their cars, and participants in the Reed School helped with crowd control.

Despite the disappointment of the weather, much hope was generated from the 2010 Relay. We supported those actively fighting cancer, comforted those who have lost loved ones and shared stories and personal journeys, in order to inspire others and spread Hope! CHEM-Pal founder Kathleen Cole collected cards of encouragement for those undergoing cancer treatments. The Survivorship Committee organized the crocheting of over 400 Hope squares to bring comfort to those fighting cancer and their loved ones. The middle school community made beautiful banners out of quilt squares that individual students, teachers, and parents made to express their hope that we have less cancer and more birthdays in the future! Newtown High School sophomore Shradha Sahani made a documentary film depicting how Newtown is fighting back against cancer and offering hope for the future. And Survivors spelled out the letters H-O-P-E, while fellow survivor Shannon Hicks climbed to the top of the Hook & Ladder Truck to take the most unbelievable aerial photo.

It will take more than a tornado warning and a thunderstorm to kill my Relay Spirit! Next year, we will continue the birthday theme with an emphasis on “Another Birthday is a Gift in Itself!”

Thank you all for your continued dedication to the 24 hour a day 7 days a week fight against cancer.

Addie Sandler

Event Chair, Newtown Relay For Life 2010

4 Far Horizon, Sandy Hook                                                June 9, 2010