Walkers Celebrate Cancer Survivors With 24-Hour Relay

Hundreds upon hundreds of cancer patients, survivors, caretakers, students, families and community members gathered to celebrate, remember and fight back against cancer yesterday at the American Cancer Society Relay for Life of Greater Middletown hosted on the Woodrow Wilson Middle School track. 

In all, 74 teams, totaling over 640 members, pre-registered to join the battle, “fighting back to tune out cancer.” By celebrating the lives of survivors and remembering those who have passed, organizers say, no one is forgotten.

Opening ceremonies began at 4 p.m. and despite the foreboding clouds and sprinkle of rain, everyone seemed in high spirits. 

Event co-chairs Jasmine Hunter and Amy Hughes took center stage, shared their own stories and highlighted the importance of community support and unity. As Hunter, of Middletown, event co-chair and team captain of Our Guardian Angels, said in her opening speech, “We relay to celebrate and support the survivors, remember those we have lost and fight back to find a cure for the disease."

"The dollars raised here help the American Cancer Society provide programs and services for cancer patients and their families, support patient services, lifesaving research, prevention, education and advocacy. This is why we relay.”

With eyes alit, co-chair Amy Hughes and Hunter announced, “We have already raised over $68,000.”

Other speakers shared similar sentiments and stories. Mayor Sebastian Giuliano and Superintendent Michael Frechette welcomed the community to the event. Guiliano compared the battle of cancer to the uncertainty of soldiers storming the beaches of Normandy on Doomsday, but proclaiming with faith, determination and unity, “we will win this fight.”

The opening ceremony speeches were followed by survivor and caregiver laps on the track. Women and men, young and old, walked or wheeled around the track with pride and smiles upon their faces. 

Sandy Kmietek, a cancer survivor, explained her personal journey. “At first I was scared, my life flashed before my eyes, but I pulled through and am now cancer-free. My sister went through the same journey. .... Not long after I relapsed, with cancer in my nose. I truly am lucky to be here today.”

Sally Nettis, a friend of Sandy, nodded her head in agreement. She battled cancer for 12 years, undergoing a complete hysterectomy and is now cancer-free as well.

As the sun set and darkness was cast upon the campsites, the track was brightened by the glow of luminaria, illuminated bags dedicated to those who have battled cancer. Some bags celebrated cancer survivors, while the others helped honor and remember those who passed.  

A torch and luminaria ceremony was held, in which everyone was invited to walk a lap in silence around the track carrying a single lit candle. The feeble flames lit the way, flickering as the rain poured down and wind blew, as families walked the track in silence. Occasionally a neighbor’s candle flame was extinguished, but the burning desire to harbor hope, mark memories and celebrate success never burnt out with the onslaught of rain. 

Families, friends and participants alike illuminated the track, each bearing a single candle, a single flame — every one representing a thousand memories. At the end of the walk, everyone closed in tight to hear the words and stories of a few more brave enough to climb up onto the stage.

Team One in a Million stood behind Hunter as a member read a speech he prepared for a dinner fundraiser not very long ago. Dampened by the rain, but radiant in appearance, Jessie provided some closing thoughts for the luminaria ceremony.

“I never gave it serious thought as a kid… but cancer affected my family greatly. I got the big picture. Last year I said I would attend The Relay for Life… and now I know two days can change a life forever. It changed mine.”

Special thanks go out to all of the families, committee members, event staff, sponsors and participants for helping raise awareness about cancer and raise money to help find a cure.

As Patti Deegan, publicity chair, said, "Without the help of the committee’s work behind the scenes, and generous donations from both participants and sponsors, the event would not have been possible."

We love you. Reciprocate! Follow us on Twitter or like us on Facebook.