The Young Heart And Soul

Of The Relay For Life

To the Editor:

I would like to applaud the efforts of our youth in the role they played in Newtown’s first Relay For Life. There were approximately 15 teams comprised solely of teenagers (with a few adult chaperones). These teens spent lots of time raising money to fight cancer by holding car washes, canvassing friends and relatives, selling candy, etc. They managed to get all their required paperwork in, showing responsibility and management skills. Some teams attended many of the monthly meetings, and the Relay kickoff, and truly became the heart and soul of the event! These teams came from all over town, from sports clubs, school clubs, and church groups; some were groups of friends who decided to form a team and take up the fight! I think all of these teams met their fund raising goals, and indeed, many passed these goals by hundreds of dollars.

Of course, camping out on the NHS Football field with a thousand of your closest friends and pulling off a legitimate all-nighter is fun! These kids were playing Wiffle ball and Frisbee until 2 am. When it came time for quiet, they all were. There were no incidents of bad behavior. As one mom reported to me, yes, it was a fun night, but the meaning of the event and the reason to relay was not lost! There were many tears shed during the most poignant parts of the evening. I am sure that many of these kids went home with a greater appreciation of life, understanding just a little more how precious and fragile it is.

I would also like to mention the many youth volunteers who worked tirelessly to keep the event running smoothly, as well as the kids who spent time preparing the slide show (and the challenges that went along with that!), rehearsing and singing and dancing for us. All of these things were done in the spirit of community, with a sincere desire to help, and to be a part of something as wonderful as Relay For Life!

It was absolutely my pleasure to work with these teams, and to watch their amazing accomplishments. With the negativity so often associated with our youth, I am happy to tell you that the vast majority of our Newtown teens are kind, decent, caring, generous, and goal oriented individuals. I cannot imagine our relay without them, and I hope they will return again next year, bringing others with them!

Sincerely,

Terri Greenfield

Mom, Chaperone, Survivor,

Relay Registration Chairperson

24 Marlin Road, Sandy Hook                                       June 23, 2004