Committed To The Fight Against Cancer

To the Editor:

As chairs of this year’s American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life, we would like to thank the residents, businesses, and organizations of Newtown for their generosity and support. Ninety teams participated in this year’s event, raising more than $250,000 for the American Cancer Society’s research, education, advocacy, and service programs. This overwhelming support proves that the people of Newtown are truly committed to the fight against cancer.

We want to applaud the over 200 survivors and caregivers who participated in the opening lap and survivor reception. They are the reason we relay.

A special thanks to our chairs and their committees who worked very hard this past year to make this event such a success. Our chair people include Barb Baldino, Dan Barrett, Alice Baye, Helen Benson, Joanne Berko, Mallory Berko, Beth Cluff, Sharon Cohen, Lisa Dolyak, Lynne Erhardt, Madison Erhardt, Glorianne Garvin, Terri Greenfield, Evelyne Jones, Kathy Kingsley, Gina McDade, Tracey McManus, Mary Marinnacio, Alice Mascher, Shane Miller, Bobby Poetl, Dominick Posca, Peg Redmond, Carl Samuelson, Eric Sjoblom, Joan Storms, Jim Zarifis, Brittany Ziman, and Maryann Ziman.

Special thanks to our Honorary Chair, Jack DeFlumeri, and his family. They are an inspiration to all of us and we are thankful for their support.

We are also very grateful for the support of the Newtown Board of Education, Newtown Parks and Recreation, Newtown High School Tech Club, Kurt Ruder and the Newtown High School Graphics Art Department, Blue and Gold, Newtown Ambulance Corps, Newtown Police Department, Newtown Savings Bank, Nanavaty, Nanavaty & Davenport, Father Bob Weiss, and St Rose Parish.

Our entertainment committee would also like to extend their thanks to Cadbury/Schweppes and Steve Paproski.

Relay For life is the American Cancer Society’s largest fundraiser and is so successful because it brings a community together for a common cause. We were all there, young and old, for one reason — to help bring us closer to a cure. It was overwhelming watching all those smiling faces walking the track. I hope if you were not able to be a part this year, you will consider it next year. We guarantee it is one of the most rewarding events you will ever participate in.

Thank you again and thank you to Aimee Zinser and the American Cancer Society for their partnership in the fight against cancer.

Sincerely,

Dawn Escoda, Ivette Gerics,

Lynda Russo, and Guy Russo

Co-chairs, 2005 Relay For Life of Newtown

38 Old Green Road, Sandy Hook                                  June 20, 2005