The threat of rain was very evident, what with dark clouds out to the south, but to the 1,000 people gathered on the Spencerport High School Soccer Stadium on June 2 there was little concern as they celebrated the Relay for Life in high spirits. Sponsored by the American Cancer Society to raise funds for cancer research, screenings and education, the gathering was a great success. Co-chair Dan Hartwig said that he hoped to raise $70,000 from this year's program; the Spencerport group had already raised $350,000 over the past six years. As of 24 hours later the donations had exceeded $77,000, with more money expected to come in over the next few weeks. Donations came on site and over the internet. This was the seventh annual Spencerport assembly of cancer victims, families and supporters of this cause. It was started seven years ago in Spencerport by Mike Blackwell, coach of the basketball team at that time, and has grown ever since. This year's co-chairmen, Randy Hunter and Dan Hartwig, were in action all evening as a series of events entertained and involved the attendees. The evening started out with a musical performance by the Empire Cadets, led by Shelly Bruni. Elected officials offered words of encouragement to the participants. The Empire Cadets then preceded about 100 cancer survivors, who wore purple T shirts certifying their status, as they took the traditional first lap around the track to a round of continuous applause and cheers from families and supporters. It was a procession that touched the heart. About 69 teams, having one to as many as 45 members, were registered to walk or run around the track, starting at 7 p.m. and lasting till 6 a.m. the following morning. The rules call for having at least one person/team moving around the track at all times during that period but the rule is not strictly enforced. Meanwhile, children and youths played catch with Frisbees, footballs and baseballs in the infield and even practiced lacrosse and soccer. As the evening wore on, firepots were lighted and food and beverages were prepared next to individual team tents as supporters sat or stood and laughed and talked. The Brockport Big Band played a number of popular tunes for almost two hours while people circled the track and others sat in the bleachers just enjoying the music. Several runners were trying to reach 50 miles by the next morning and were well on their way; others were content to just keep pacing around the oval, stopping now and then for a bite to eat or to take a drink. The Luminaria Ceremony began after 10 p.m. by turning off the stadium lights followed by a vocal by Becky Livingston, the reading of a poem and a walk around the track by a huge group of people behind piper Jake Kwiatkowski as he played the bagpipes in the dark with the light from the luminaries showing his way. According to Anne Klein, her husband, Ronn, read a message to all in a special ceremony held at midnight to honor over 400 persons who died of cancer in the past year in this area; they were remembered with an "empty table." It was a speech explaining the symbolism of items at the table, including an empty chair, and a lit candle signifying "hope." The ceremonies concluded at 6 a.m. in a downpour with breakfast supplied by the Brockport Tim Hortons restaurant. This event will live on in my memory as I am a cancer survivor, having had cryosurgery for prostate cancer 12 years ago. To date my PSA has remained constant at a very low level. There is a certain joy in being able to share in the success of those 100 cancer survivors for whatever time that lasts for us and the hope that with enough funding and research this disease will eventually be brought into control. I especially appreciate the help and information provided by Kim McMahon, Media Relations Director for the American Cancer Society and Anne Klein, co-chair of Public Relations for the Relay of Life. Article and photos by Walter Horylev. June 11, 2006 |
