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Community Corner

Relay For Life A Hit Once Again at Rocky Point High School

Featuring live performances and a variety of activities, the celebration brought together the community to recognize anyone who has battled cancer.

All evening and all night long, to acknowledge the fact that cancer never stops, Rocky Point residents gathered for a celebration to spread awareness and honor those who have battled cancer at the annual American Cancer Society Relay For Life at Friday.  

Tents lined up and down the field, featuring out-door activities, gift baskets, prizes, games, and merchandise. Each tent represented a team organized within the American Cancer Society to fundraise. At the end of the field a stage was set up, where local bands Project Thalen, Miles Road, Hangman and Uh Oh Stereo performed live for the crowd.

Cathleen Garry, Senior Director at the American Cancer Society, chaired the event along with her team of committee members.

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"Rocky Point was the first to have this event 11 years ago," Garry said.  "Now, there are twenty of them across Suffolk County, and over fifteen in Nassau. A lot of hard work is put into this, and it really does pay off.  It's wonderful to see so many strong people coming out here to support their loved ones."

The relay was divided into three phases: Celebrate - The Survivors Lap, Remember - The Luminaria Ceremony and Fight Back - The Fight Back Ceremony.  The survivors lap opened up the relay, which was an inspirational time for survivors to walk the track together and help everyone celebrate those who have conquered cancer.  The Luminaria Ceremony took place at dark, and featured the St. Anthony's Praise Choir, where those who have died from cancer are remembered and honored.  The Fight Back ceremony was the finale, in which the crowd rallies to make a personal commitment to saving the lives of those battling cancer.  

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Other moments of celebration included Relay Idol Singers Christian Cabrera, Katie Grady, Nick Lovaglio and Zachary Riley; Miss Relay Contest and Miss Relay Crowning and a Purple Lap for Cancer Awareness.

The theme for this year's event was "Once Upon A Cure," which Rocky Point is the first to do. Over 50 teams were assembled through the American Cancer Society starting last fall, and they reached their goal of raising $100,000.

"We are thrilled to announce this news, and thank everyone for their support," said event co-chairs Maria Amoscato and Virginia Heslin.  

The co-chairs also shared a story of a 9-year-old boy named Brandon, who collected bottles for over a year and donated $500.  

"This is a wonderful example of the motivation and dedication our community has to battling cancer," Heslin said.

Speaking during the opening ceremony were Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Michael Ring; Father Richard Hoerning who offered a blessing, County Legislator Sarah Anker and cancer survivor Randi Curran shared a special story. Having survived through three different forms of cancer in one year, she teared up during her speech to the crowd.  

"Early detection is the best prevention," Curran said.

For more information on Relay for Life, please visit here.

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