Relay Rally, ‘Hope’ Photo Unveiling Set For November 12

By John Voket

On October 11, organizers and supporters of the 2011 Relay For Life held their first planning meeting for next June’s event. The meeting included introductions of committee and event leadership, a screening of a slideshow that was produced by 2011 Relay co-chair and breast cancer survivor Michelle Babyak, and a farewell party of sorts for Newtown’s departing American Cancer Society liaison, Pat Deuschle.

While 2010 Relay chair Addie Sandler will carry on in that capacity for a second year, she is being joined by Ms Babyak as the co-chair. Ms Babyak has committed to taking on the chairperson’s duties in 2012.

To begin initiating excitement toward the 2012 event, a Relay Rally is planned November 12 from 7 to 9 pm the Booth Library to promote the event and encourage Newtowners to participate and volunteer. In addition, a unique “Hope Photo,” which Newtown Bee Associate Editor, firefighter, and cancer survivor Shannon Hicks took at the 2010 event from the top of the Hook and Ladder aerial ladder, will be unveiled.

A limited edition of the matted photo signed by Ms Hicks will be offered in exchange for a $50 donation to the American Cancer Society. A cord of wood has also been donated as a door prize, and anyone attending the November 12 rally is eligible to win.

During the recent October gathering, Ms Sandler announced the 2011 Relay theme, “Another birthday is a gift in itself,” which focuses again on the special meaning that birthdays bring for all who have been affected by cancer.

Tracy Heim will lead a new Team Development Committee to strategize ways to grow Relay For Life interest and participation in Newtown. The meeting also focused on some changes planned for the 2011 event related to team recognition including eliminating the Top Team Tent site, Relay Bucks, and the competitive nature of recognizing top fundraising teams in order to focus more on the true spirit of relay for life: survivors, caregivers, and fighting cancer.

“The RFL committee wants to continue to get the word out that Relay For Life is not an athletic event,” Ms Sandler said in a release. “It is an overnight event to remember and celebrate those who have faced cancer and to fight back to find a cure.”

Participants, who are able, walk the track at their own pace in shifts throughout the event as a symbol of their solidarity with those who fight cancer 24 hours a day.

Volunteers at the October meeting offered suggestions to improve all aspects of local Relay preparations, meetings, and the event. It was decided that Captain Meetings will continue to have a 40-minute guarantee and an electronic newsletter will be sent out after the meetings updating all participants who could not attend.

In addition, a commitment was made to provide rides to survivors who need transportation to attend the Hope Reception, which honors all those who have ever had a cancer diagnosis. And to encourage survivors to bring their caregivers, their family and friends who helped them in their recovery, to the reception so they can be thanked.

The Relay organizers and supporters encourage everyone in the community to attend the November 12 Relay Rally at the Booth Library. To learn more about Relay for Life in Newtown go to www.relayforlife.org/newtownct.