Relay For Life On Course For A New Record

By Kaaren Valenta

Jack DeFlumeri’s life changed forever when he was diagnosed with stage-four cancer in January 2001.

Five years later, still battling side effects from the throat cancer that nearly took his life, the honorary chairman of the Newtown’s 2005 Relay For Life will lead the survivor/caregivers lap that will officially begin the second annual overnight American Cancer Society fundraising event at Newtown High School at 7 pm on Saturday, June 11.

“A very big part of my recovery was due to the American Cancer Society whose fundraising events made possible monies to support research and development,” he said this week. “Money will defeat cancer. It will pay for the breakthroughs in research and uncover cancer’s darkest secrets.”

Joined by his wife and daughters, Mr DeFlumeri will begin the relay that is expected to bring thousands of cancer survivors, caregivers, families, and friends to the high school field. More than 90 teams have signed up to walk in the relay that will culminate with closing ceremonies at 6:30 am on Sunday.

Hours before the opening ceremony, however, team members will begin setting up tents on the infield and survivors will arrive to register for the “All American Barbeque,” a survivor reception that begins at 5 pm in the high school cafeteria.

Activities for children will begin in the early afternoon with a moon bounce, face painting, clowns, carnival games, spin art and tattoos, followed by kids’ games with a deejay, a Jell-O-eating contest, hula hoop contest, and relay race, and winding up with an ice cream social at 6 pm.

There will be team activities and contests — including a Spam-carving contest, tug-of-war, and scavenger hunt — and classes in Pilates, midnight aerobics, and wake-up yoga through the night. (A full schedule of events is on page …. of this week’s Bee.)

A highlight of the evening will be the luminary ceremony at 9 pm when the darkened track will be lined by candles lit in honor of those living and deceased who have fought the battle against cancer. The luminary ceremony will feature live music, bagpipes, and a slide show presentation prepared by the NHS Technology Club.

Last year the first Relay For Life was held in Newtown, organized by Ivette Gerics and Dawn Escoda, two local women with family members that battled cancer. Their goal was to raise $25,000. By the time the bugle blast announced the closing ceremony, the event raised $175,000.

This year the two women, joined by Guy and Lynda Russo, are co-chairpersons. Mr Russo, with the assistance of Jim Zarifis, whose family was last year’s honorary chairmen, was in charge of soliciting corporate sponsorships. Mr Zarifis’ son, Jimmy Zarifis, 13, had a malignant brain tumor that required surgery and months of ongoing physical therapy.

On Monday night, June 6, the parking lot behind Newtown Savings Bank on Main Street was jammed by dozens of cars, minivans and SUVs as Relay For Life held “bank night” to count the money collected so far for the fundraiser.

Team leaders arrived at the bank clutching envelopes of cash, checks, and pledges. The next morning, Guy Russo, relay co-chairman, said that approximately $175,000 had been raised in donations and pledges so far, an amount equal to last year’s total, but he expected the final count to be much higher.

 “Last year we went into the relay with $100,000 and we raised another $75,000 during the event,” he said. “If that holds true again this year, we could finish with $225,000 or even reach our goal of $250,000.”

“I want to see Newtown raise a half a million dollars,” he said. “I think the town can do that within a few years of hosting this event. This could be Newtown’s signature event.”

Corporate sponsors pledged approximately $44,000 this year. The relay teams, school groups, organizations, families, and individuals pledged more. Among them were groups like the Newtown Torpedoes swim team. “Instead of coach’s gifts, the coaches wanted the team to donate to Relay For Life,” parent Beth Hoolihan said. “They raised $1,256 at their banquet in March.”

Many of the volunteers involved with Newtown’s Relay For Life had participated in similar events in other Connecticut communities. But for some, like Joan Salbu, this would be the first time.

“I haven’t slept in a sleeping bag in a long time but I’ll be there,” she said. “I’m very excited to be able to take part in this event. I’ve been very fortunate that none of my contemporaries have had cancer, but my mother’s best friend died from brain cancer. I think everyone is touched by cancer in some way.”

Relay For Life began in May 1985 when Dr Gordy Klatt, a colorectal surgeon and avid runner, took the first step of his 24-hour walk/run around a track in Tacoma, Wash. He clocked 83 miles, raising $27,000 to support the American Cancer Society. The following year, 220 supporters on 19 teams joined Dr Klatt in this overnight event, and the American Cancer Society Relay For Life was born.

Over the last two decades, Relay For Life has spread to more than 3,800 communities in the United States and eight foreign countries. What began as one man’s statement in the fight against cancer has led to the development of a worldwide event to help banish cancer.

The American Cancer Society is the nationwide community-based voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives, and diminishing suffering from cancer through research, education, advocacy, and service.