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grolfe
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Posted: Thu May 21st, 2009 06:51 pm |
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By Glenn Rolfe
Leader & State Register
SEAFORD – West Sussex Relay for Life 2009 was a blast from the past.
Back beneath weather-proof cover of Nanticoke’s Cancer Care Center garage, 32 teams and 300-plus participants rocked through Friday night into Saturday morning, uniting for a common cause in the American Cancer Society’s signature fundraiser.
“While each of has a unique reason for being here we all have something very much in common. We want to make a difference to fight and end cancer,” said Relay chairwoman Tara Trout, noting many of her family members has been affected by cancer. “We have gathered as a community that those who are facing cancer will be supported and those who that have lost their battle will not be forgotten.
“And together we will continue to fight back so that one day no one will hear those dreadful words, ‘You have cancer,’” Ms. Trout said.
Seventy-eight survivors, many wearing purple T-shirts, lapped it up in the ceremonial kickoff to 11th annual event, which played to a “Rockin Relay” theme.
This year’s fundraising goal was $145,000. Last year’s Relay raised about $131,000.
“Cancer affects every one of us. We’d all like to see this disease go away – once and for all,” said Dr. Marie Wolfgang, whose “Cedar Avenue Circus” team traditionally has been a top Relay fundraiser.
Teams with members of all ages spanned the gamut, including school, business, church, community ties and others.
Relay was slated to be held outdoors at the Mears Health Campus but with the threat of late evening thunderstorms Friday organizers opted for cover of the parking garage, Relay’s venue for several events in the past.
Last year Relay was held at the Woodbridge Athletic Complex, in raw, cold weather.
Nanticoke Health Services CEO Steve Rose shared a personal experience, telling the audience he recently had a biopsy – and fortunately the news was good.
“I am pleased to tell you it was negative. But in that very short time that you wait for the results, even that little bit of an impact on a life is really difficult. You are waiting and wondering and thinking all of these things about what it could be,” Mr. Rose said. “It makes you realize what you would feel and what you would go through if indeed the results were positive for cancer. So I have a lot of empathy and sympathy for all of the survivors and a lot of compassion for the families who have lost loved ones.
“All of the work you do is for a wonderful cause,” Mr. Rose said.
News Editor Glenn Rolfe can be reached at 629-5505 or grolfe@newszap.com.
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