Seaford honors cancer victims, survivors

Seaford held its fourth annual Relay for Life at the high school on June 6. Relay for Life is the top fundraiser for the American Cancer Society and more than four million people participate in the event nationwide, collectively raising about $400 million.

According to Denise Goban, the lead organizer for Seaford Relay for Life, this year’s event raised more than $40,000, which was an improvement over last year’s $30,000. About 155 people came out to support cancer awareness and participate in this fundraiser.

Team Ellis’ Angels was one of the top fundraising teams for last weekend’s event. “We are participating in the Relay For Life in loving memory of Joan Ellis and Coleen Ellis-Maguire,” said team captain Maureen Ellis-DeVito.

Ellis-DeVito’s sister, Coleen Ellis-Maguire, a Seaford resident, died from cancer this past February at the age of 44. Her mother, Joan Ellis, also died from cancer years before.

Ellis-DeVito says that her team name, “Ellis’ Angels,” was created in their memory. “Ellis’ Angels consists of the children, sisters, brothers, nieces, nephews, and spouses of these two beautiful women taken from us too soon by cancer,” she said.

Goban said that it was great to see a family taking action and raising awareness for the disease.

Ellis-Devito said she hopes that her team’s fundraising can help contribute to Immunotherapy, a cancer treatment that uses the patient’s immune system to fight against the disease. Ellis-Maguire was about to use this therapy before she died.

A luncheon catered by Moe’s Southwest Grill was available for any cancer survivors on hand.

Tony Minai, a prostate cancer survivor, was diagnosed with the disease nearly 14 years ago. Minai, an American Cancer Society supporter himself, enjoyed the luncheon and said it is important to raise awareness and money for cancer research.

He also discussed how important it is for people to go to the doctor and get tests done when they are young, in hopes of catching any kind of cancer early. Minai said he was fortunate enough to catch his cancer early before it spread to other areas in his body.

“The tests are available,” he says. “If I was never tested, I would probably not be here today.”

The event was capped off with an luminaria ceremony, in which hundreds of bags were illuminated around the high school track. Each bag was uniquely designed and colored in memory of someone who battled cancer.

Goban says she believes that this year’s Relay for Life was a success and is looking forward to organizing the event again next year.