Wet Weather Doesn’t Dampen Relay For Life
June 11, 2009 by Josh Morgan
A steady rain fell almost all of Friday night, drenching hundreds of people who braved the weather to participate in the 13th annual Relay For Life of Cheshire, but that didn’t deter more than 1,000 residents from coming out to support the event.
At first glance, it seemed as if there were almost as many umbrellas as there were people at the Maclary Athletic Complex, except for a few courageous souls who seemed indifferent to the soggy scene. Some younger participants kicked a soccer ball or threw a football in the middle of the fields, finding an opening between tents and canopies that were set up for the weekend. The rain diminished attendance slightly and the economy affected fundraising, officials admitted, but those who spent the weekend at Cheshire High School were as enthusiastic as ever.
“I’d be out here walking even if it was a blizzard,” said Don Tinker, as he made his way around the waterlogged track in a hooded sweatshirt and gym shorts. “My grandfather died from cancer and I’m out here to honor him and give back to the community.”
Paul Polito, captain of the top fundraising team, Victoria’s Cancer Slayers, was participating in his seventh Relay For Life to honor his daughter and “celebrate her life.”
“We are carrying on her memory,” Polito said. “Friends and family are here and this is one time when we all gather together and pay homage. We give this effort for (Victoria).”
In 2007, the previous top fundraising level was $29,999 and teams were honored with the Excalibur Level distinction. However, a new Victorian Level was instituted for Polito’s team because their fundraising efforts exceeded $30,000. Polito, who was recently diagnosed with colon cancer, explained that the team stepped up in his daughter’s memory, but also to support him as well.
“Even in a recession, everyone came through,” Polito said. “People really stepped up and it’s nice to see.”
Rose Spielman was participating with the Kol Ami team, and said the synagogue was “hugely impacted” by cancer and Relay For Life was a place to give back.
“We had to take action and raise money to fight cancer,” Spielman said. “This is a place of support with so much going on.”
Samantha Loignon and Kate Mrowka paused momentarily on the track to read a large banner that was covered in handwritten messages. Loignon said the event was “very unifying for the Town” as “cancer touches everyone.” Mrowka added that Relay For Life was a “great chance to raise money” for the American Cancer Society.
Nearly $325,000 was raised through the weekend from the Relay For Life of Cheshire. Since 1997, the Cheshire Relay For Life has raised more than $5.6 million, and should be close to crossing the $6 million mark when all the money is counted from this year’s event.
Carol Wilson, wearing her cancer survivor sash, said Relay For Life wasn’t about any one person, rather, it was something that “needs to be done and needs to happen.”
ESPN’s Chris Berman served as the event’s honorary chairman and tried to keep the crowd enthused despite the not-so-perfect weather. Berman believes that “in our lifetimes” a cure for cancer would be found as a result of all the events nationwide that benefit research, programs, and treatment.
“What’s a little rain between friends when we are here trying to kick cancer’s butt,” Berman said. “The Town really comes together and gives their best. Every year we gather, and every year we set records.”
Polito said the Cheshire Relay For Life is “unlike any other event in the area.”
“This is an energetic and powerful coming together that is a tribute to the Cheshire community,” Polito said. “We will fight cancer until we find a cure and do whatever we can to stomp it out.”
More information can be found online at www.cheshirerelay.org.