"Relay for Life" forces join June 21 to fight cancer

Fredonia, N.Y. — June 16, 2008 — Like everyone in Western New York and across the U.S., faculty and staff at SUNY Fredonia have been affected by cancer. That’s why Shari Miller, the university’s director of purchasing, is playing a lead role to organize a campus team for the Dunkirk/Fredonia region’s Relay for Life, to benefit the American Cancer Society.

“I lost an aunt and two uncles, and I have numerous friends who are battling it. I lost a good friend in 2000 to it, and went to the nursing home every day and watched him suffer so terribly,” said Ms. Miller. “I’d love to see the day when we have no cancer.”

Ms. Miller is co-chairing SUNY Fredonia’s Relay for Life team with Judy Langworthy, university controller. Both are looking to bolster their team roster and gather donations for their theme basket of gifts, one of many promotional items that participating teams sell tickets for to raise money for Relay for Life.

“We’re still looking for volunteers, either to sell tickets or walk with us,” Ms. Miller said. Approximately 20 people have signed up so far, and Ms. Miller would like to see the roster reach at least 30. Those wishing to join the SUNY Fredonia team can sign up at www.relayforlife.org.

Known as the American Cancer Society’s signature activity, Relay for Life allows people from all walks of life to form teams to raise needed funds to fight cancer and increase awareness of cancer prevention and treatment.

Relay for Life, marking its 10th anniversary in the Dunkirk/Fredonia area, will be staged Saturday, June 21, at the SUNY Fredonia outdoor track. For 10 consecutive hours, every team will have at least one member walking, non-stop, on the track. Opening ceremonies begin at noon, followed by a survivors’ lap at 12:20 p.m. “And then we walk constantly,” Ms. Miller explained.

Luminaries — each one honoring the memory of a loved one lost to cancer or someone who is or has battled cancer and won — will be arranged in two loops that circle the entire track. Additional luminaries will be placed on the bleachers to spell out “HOPE.” They will be lit at ceremonies that begin at 8 p.m.

Other attractions include a performance by popular children’s entertainer Glenn Colton, a performance by Matteson Kempo Karate, cheerleader demonstrations, a chicken barbecue and disc jockey music throughout the day. A fireworks display will light the skies at 10 p.m.

Relay for Life clearly demonstrates there is strength in numbers. “I think a lot of people support Relay for Life to raise money for cancer research, because the money raised here stays in Western New York,” Miller said. “But I think a lot of it is also the sense of community that we have, because everyone knows somebody affected by cancer. They come out to the rally together and talk about their loved ones.”

People talk about treatment plans and also give hope to others who are battling cancer right now, Ms. Miller added.

“It’s amazing how many people in our area have had loved ones die from cancer, are fighting cancer or have taken care of someone with cancer,” she said.

The 44 teams that joined last year’s Dunkirk/Fredonia Relay for Life raised more than $73,000 for cancer research. If you would like to join the SUNY Fredonia team, make a donation or otherwise support this cause, please contact Shari Miller at 716-673-3438 or visit: http://relay.acsevents.org/site/TR/RelayForLife/RelayForLifeEasternDivision?fr_id=9537&pg=entry.

Donations are also accepted on the day of the event.