Hauppauge, NY - May 25, 2016 - More than 1.6 million people will be diagnosed with cancer this year, according to the American Cancer Society, including 110,280 New Yorkers. For many on Long Island that statistic have become personal when the words “you have cancer” are heard.
Local cancer survivors are fighting back through the Relay For Life movement, which unites communities to celebrate people and families who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost and take action to finish the fight once and for all.
Celebrations and activities for survivors are free and open to the public. “Cancer survivors and their caregivers join us as our honorary guests for a complimentary dinner, a survivor and caregivers lap and a touching Luminaria Ceremony at nightfall where candles are lit in honor and memory of locals who have battled cancer,” said Cathleen Garry, Senior Market Manager for the Society.
“There is a festive atmosphere all around, including a moving moment when survivors and their caregivers take the first lap as community members cheer them on and celebrate the progress that has been made against cancer,” she added.
While celebrations occur at all Relay For Life events, the following are scheduled during the weekend of the 29th Annual National Cancer Survivors Day.
Friday, June 3
Jean Cochran Park, 2495 Peconic Lane, Southhold
Opening ceremonies, survivor laps and activities begin at 6pm. For more information: email or call (914) 949-4800 website
Saturday, June 4
Plainedge High School
Opening ceremonies, survivor laps and activities begin at 3pm. For more information: email or call (631) 300-3459 website
Saturday, June 4
Bethpage High School, 10 Cherry Ave, Bethpage, NY
Opening ceremonies, survivor laps and activities begin at 5 pm. For more information: email or call (631) 300-3150 website
Saturday, June 4
Northport High School
Opening ceremonies, survivor laps and activities begin at 6pm. For more information: email or call (631) 300-3457 website
Saturday, June 4
John H Glenn High School, 478 Elwood Rd, East Northport,
Survivor ceremonies, reception and activities begin at 6pm. For more information: email or call 631-300-3454 website
Saturday, June 4
Smithtown High School West, 100 Central Rd, Smithtown
Opening ceremonies, survivor laps and activities begin at 6pm. For more information: email or call 631-300-3146 website
Saturday, June 4
Sachem High School East, 177 Granny Road, Farmingville
Opening ceremonies, survivor laps and activities begin at 5pm. For more information: email or call (631) 300-3456 website
“One of the most important aspects of Relay For Life is celebrating cancer survivorship, call attention to the challenges of cancer survivorship and show that life after a cancer diagnosis can be rewarding and inspiring,” said Garry. Our hope is that anyone impacted by cancer comes to experience Relay For Life and show support for community members facing cancer.”
About Relay For Life
Relay For Life events are community gatherings where teams and individuals camp out at a school, park, or fairground and take turns walking or running around a track or path. Teams raise funds leading up to the event. Thousands of cancer survivors participate in American Cancer Society Relay For Life events each year. The Relay For Life movement is the world’s largest fundraising event to fight every cancer in every community, with four million participants in 6,000 events worldwide in 2015. Event locations, times and dates can be found at www.relayforlife.org. Dollars raised help the American Cancer Society save lives by funding groundbreaking cancer research, providing free information and critical services for people with cancer, and supporting education and prevention programs.