An Incredible Lap At The Relay

To the Editor:

The rumor was that cancer survivors were made to feel very special at the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life. On this past Saturday evening, I experienced, to my soul, a warm, loving, and supporting feeling with the volunteers, Fr Bob, First Selectman (and former classmate) Herb Rosenthal, supporters, teams, and media present on the track at Newtown High School.

Newtown is so very lucky to have so many volunteers for so many diversified projects, and I feel blessed to have been included in this wonderful celebration of life. When we hear the diagnosis of “cancer,” we are joined in a sister/brotherhood for which we did not ask. However, with treatment done and lives back to “normal,” this Relay For Life embraces a solidarity with people, once strangers, now bonded together with Hope.

The Survivor Lap/Caretaker Lap was very emotional for me, for my husband, Malcolm, and for the many incredibly strong survivors walking side-by-side, holding hands.

I say to all the wonderful people who worked so hard . . . thank you, thank you, thank you. Next year, God willing, I’ll be part of a team with my buddies from Newtown Volunteer Ambulance Corps!

Nancy McLachlan

231 Heritage Village, Southbury                                  June 13, 2004