The annual Relay for Life in Spencerport was cancelled Friday, June 12, due to dangerous weather conditions.
After heavy rain passed through the area in the late afternoon, organizers of the Westside Relay decided to postpone the event in hopes of scheduling a re-do in the near future, although participants indicated that might not be possible.
The Relay for Life is an annual community fundraiser walk organized by the American Cancer Society. Spencerport participants were invited to join the Greece Relay for Life which was held Saturday, June 13.
Churchville Mayor Nancy Steedman, who was diagnosed with ovarian cancer late in 2014, had planned to walk in the Spencerport Relay as a survivor with Marty Molinari and members of the Churchville-Chili LEO Club, who participate in the Relay every year.
“The American Cancer Society did so much for me during this journey,” Steedman said. “I will never be able to say thank you enough.” The American Cancer Society has provided her with a care bag, a free wig, support groups, and even a monthly massage, she said.
Steedman noted that she has also had tremendous support from the entire Churchville community, and that support, along with prayers and a positive attitude, have helped her in her battle. She has completed chemotherapy and is scheduled for surgery in July. She said she has participated in the Relay in previous years, but never as someone diagnosed with cancer.
Steedman added that her very visible duties as mayor have also been helpful in keeping her going during her journey with the disease. Had it not been for the demands of her public office, “I think I probably would have stayed at home and just watched TV,” she said.
Marty Molinari, who advises the Churchville-Chili LEO Club, reported that the C-C LEO Club was named Silver Team and awarded second place for raising a total of almost $3,800 for this year’s Relay. Steedman was the top participant with $1,275 raised by the time of the Relay.
Molinari said it will be very difficult for the American Cancer Society to re-schedule the Spencerport Relay, but hopes to plan a mini-remembrance ceremony in the Village of Churchville, perhaps during a Wednesday evening when the village hosts summer concerts.
