Relay For Life Complete Success - SuffolkJournal.com

Suffolk County Raises $$$ to

Fight Cancer

July 21, 2002

AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY’S
RELAY FOR LIFE

In the five Relay For Life events held in Suffolk throughout May and June, more than 3325 participants at the Center Moriches, Hampton Bays, Riverhead, Rocky Point and SUNY Stony Brook Relay For Life events raised more than $279,000 to support American Cancer Society cancer research, education, advocacy and patient and family service programs. The overnight celebration also raised public awareness about cancer and celebrated survivors who have triumphed over the disease.

Groups of cancer survivors, donning purple “survivor” tee shirts, kicked off the festivities at each of the events by taking a "survivor victory lap" to the cheers and applause of the crowds. Then the celebrations began with live entertainment at the events, which included musical groups, comedians, clowns and dancing.

Sixty teams at Center Moriches on May 17^th & 18^th, 60 teams at Hampton Bays on June 14^th & 15^th, 15 teams at SUNY Stony Brook on May 4^th & 5^th, 75 teams at Riverhead on June 21^st & 22^nd and XX teams at Rocky Point on June 28^th & 29^th pitched tents, camped out and took turns walking, jogging or running laps “relay-style” around the high school or university track throughout the night and morning. The teams were made up of between 8-12 people, often students, families, friends and co-workers.

At nightfall, thousands of luminary candles placed around each of the tracks were lit in a touching ceremony to honor cancer survivors and those who have lost their battles with the disease. The Chair people of each of the events were: Center Moriches-Miriam Gillies, Hampton Bays-Drew Walker, Riverhead- Theresa Drozd, Rocky Point-Therese King and SUNY Stony Brook-Jean Haggerty.

“For those who participated in Relay For Life, the event represents hope that those lost to cancer will never be forgotten, those who face cancer will be supported, and the disease will one day be eliminated,” said Anne LaSalle, Suffolk County Regional Executive.

Relay For Life is the largest grassroots fundraiser in the country, with 3,300 events nationwide. To find out more about Relay For Life and how to bring one to your community or for cancer information, contact the American Cancer Society at 800-ACS-2345 or www.cancer.org.