All-night relay event celebrates survivors’ victory over cancer
Published: June 12, 2005
On your mark … get set … celebrate life!
Relay For Life, the national signature event of the American Cancer Society, kicked off its overnight relay and celebration of hope last night on the campuses of Wagner College and Notre Dame Academy, both Grymes Hill.
To honor cancer survivors, remember loved ones, raise funds and educate the community about prevention and detection, teams of 10 or more members are taking turns strolling and running around the campus paths.
Between the relays at Wagner, Notre Dame and another scheduled to take place June 27 at the College of Staten Island, Staten Islanders will raise about $80,000 this year for the event.
The third annual Wagner campus Relay for Life began at 6 p.m. last night with cheers from the Curtis High School cheerleading team. A flock of doves was released as the first lap, reserved for cancer survivors, began. The relay will continue until 10 this morning.
“The idea is to bond the community to go in love, in hope and in remembrance,” said Alberta Brescia of Grasmere, regional vice president of the ACS.
About 14 teams, or 200 people, participated in Relay for Life at the loop entrance at Wagner College, while 10 teams at Notre Dame were comprised of 105 runners — mostly Notre Dame students and their female friends.
Marion Mammana of New Springville, a survivor on the “Purple Pride” team of women who teach at PS 31, New Brighton, was participating for the third time at Wagner. “Aside from being a worthwhile cause, I like the way it’s done,” she said. “I like that they’re celebrating life.”
William and Marie Elaine Jerome of Dongan Hills, both in their 70s, were among those wearing sashes that read “Survivor” at Wagner College. They were participating for the third year with the 50-person Team LaGrega, lead by survivor Maria LaGrega of Oakwood, which raised $2,400 this year.
Elissa Cirigliano, 13, was among members of Girl Scout Troop 5355 volunteering to set up and help run the event. “We have faith they’ll find a cure,” said her sister, Lauren, 11. The theme of hope was echoed by Betty Pietrangelo, director of special events for Relay For Life, who said: “Some day cancer will be eliminated.”
Notre Dame’s Samantha (Sam) Salvatore, 16, was walking for her dad, who died when she was 8. “But I know I’m helping other people live,” said the sophomore, who helped organize the event as a student council representative.
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