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Fair Seaford ready to walk for a cure
For many cancer survivors and those battling the disease, wearing purple signifies empowerment and strength. An expected 200 people will be attending the fifth annual Relay For Life event in all shades of purple on Saturday, June 11 at Seaford High School.
“After the survivor speaker speaks, we invite all of the survivors to join him or her in the first lap,” American Cancer Society representative Julia Biggiani said. “This kicks off our whole event and really reminds everyone why we are there. We’re not there for the food or the raffles; we’re there to celebrate our survivors who have either kicked cancer’s butt or are still fighting back against this horrible disease.”
Denise Goban, the co-chairwoman for the event, is also excited to lead participants through various activities throughout the afternoon and night. Kicking off at 4 p.m., the event will include an opening ceremony, a survivor’s lap, a caregiver’s lap, a luminaria ceremony and a closing ceremony.
“I have a lot of family members and friends who have passed at very young ages,” PTA liaison Lynn Peraino said. “The Seaford Harbor PTA asked for a volunteer to connect them with the cause, so I decided to help out.
“It’s good to have my kids give back to the community,” she added. “And it works into teaching them how to help others and make a real change.”
Since 1985, Relay For Life has benefitted the American Cancer Society, which has provided communities across the globe with opportunities to unite and fight back against the deadly disease. With more than four million people nationwide participating in the event, the Seaford chapter hopes to raise at least $45,000 and spread awareness.
“It is important to gain momentum because we want the Seaford community to know that we are here fighting back against cancer, raising money for cancer research and actively trying to finish this fight,” Biggiani added. “We are hoping that one day cancer won’t be a scary diagnosis. We shouldn’t have to fear that we will lose a loved one to this horrible disease. This cause is important and everyone should know about it.”
So far, 21 teams and 92 participants have already signed up to walk in the Relay For Life and have raised more than $11,000 for the cause. The event will also feature food and raffle prizes such as a bike and iPad mini donated from Target.
“My main role is to guide Denise and the other volunteers in kicking off an awesome Relay season,” Biggiani said. “We like to get the momentum going by keeping everyone’s spirits high, getting everyone into the fundraising mindset and really promote the mission of beating cancer.”
According to the American Cancer Society, the Relay For Life movement symbolizes hope and a shared goal to end a disease that threatens the lives of so many people. Relay For Life is a way to take action and help finish the fight. This is an opportunity to honor cancer survivors, remember those who have lost the battle and raise funds and awareness to fight back and help end cancer forever.
“Unfortunately, many of my family members have had cancer, so this is definitely a personal connection for me,” Goban said. “This community-driven event will make Seaford a better place to live in and hopefully bring a lot of people together.”
For more information about the cause or to register, visit relayforlife.org/SeafordNY.
