Relay for Life
By Maureen Rossi
 

The Relay for Life logo has been showing up all over Long Island the last few years. It made its second stop in Kings Park the last weekend of May where community members gathered to raise over $60,000 for The American Cancer Society.

Held at Kings Park High School, this year's event was run by school district employee as well as longtime community member and activist Judy Bishop. The block-party atmosphere attracted families, sports team and children of all ages, many of whom camped out overnight under cooperating skies.

To date the Relay for Life Organization has brought together more than 3.5 million people to remember loved ones lost to cancer, to celebrate the lives of survivors and to give hope to those struggling with the disease.

Opening ceremonies for the 24-hour event kicked off before sunset May 30 when dozens of cancer survivors donned purple T-shirts and walked the first lap of the high school track.

Seven-year-old Sophia Gambale and eight-year-old Gianna Gambale were part of team Raggone, and raised money and participated with the help of their parents.

"We came here to fight cancer," said Sophia. "Because my mom is a survivor," added Gianna. Team Raggone raised about $2,600 and was led by captains Rachel Raggone and Lauren Serzanin, both 10th graders at Kings Park High School.

Food was an important part of the event. Hoagies, hot wings, baked goods and pasta salads lined dozens of tables. The tone was upbeat as the high school'sl jazz band and local rock bands entertained the crowd.

The funds raised by the event will go toward research, early detection and prevention education as well as advocacy and patient services. According to the American Cancer Society, an estimated 1,444,920 new cases of cancer were reported in 2007.

Begun in 1986 in Tacoma, Wa., 19 teams took part in the first Relay for Life and raised $33,000. Held in towns, college campuses and cities around the United States, a primary goal of the event is to unify communities.

"It's a good feeling to help people and meet new people," Gianna said.