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By Katrina Margolis
Hometown Weekly Reporter
Relay for Life has is a year-round operation, but all of the hard work that goes into its planning and execution cumulate at the main event. This year, Relay for Life was held from May 20 to the 21st. Kick-off was at 4 p.m., with speakers, activities, a Survivor’s Dinner, and more. The event consists of teams who take turns walking around the track at Newman Elementary School in Needham. Each team must have a member on the track at all times, symbolizing the idea that cancer never sleeps. While the event takes place in Needham, this is the Relay for Life for Wellesley, Dedham, and Needham.
Kate Findlen is the co-chair of the Survivor’s Committee and has been participating since 2008. This year, they had 29 survivors who signed up beforehand for the dinner. “We have probably seen around 30 survivors so far today, some of whom previously signed up, some didn’t,” she said. “A good number of them were from Newbridge on the Charles and they did not stay for the dinner today because they had a BBQ at Newbridge they were all going back to. Our target is to have around 50 survivors sign up in advance to be recognized, but this is a really good number.” While many of the teams are made up of high schoolers, last year, residents of Newbridge made a team and participated. This year, they weren’t able to walk, but they did come to help celebrate the kick-off.
The Survivor’s Dinner is open to survivor’s and caregivers. “What we find is some people are not quite ready. Other people feel like they only had a little cancer, and they’re not really a survivor. One woman said, I’m not sure what would qualify me for being a survivor? And I was like, if you had cancer and you’re alive, then you’re a survivor!” Findlen said. “The reason that we have survivors is because of the money that is raised, because of the research that is done, because of the technological advances in cancer research—that’s why we’re here. We’re saying to these people, you’re a good statistic.”
Last year, Relay for Life raised $171,000 for the American Cancer Society. Mark Goldberg, the event’s organizer, said that “this year, our goal was $182,000, and we have until August 31st to raise it. We’ll have passed that by tomorrow morning.”
This event is the American Cancer Society’s signature fundraiser, and every little thing helps. “I think it’s very important for people to appreciate that even though we keep coming every year to relay, people are living longer, the death rate is decreasing and the progress being made in research is dramatic,” Goldberg added.
Relay is not only a way to raise money and recognize those who have lost their battle, but a celebration of life and the work that has been already been accomplished.
