Survivors, Adults and Youth Rally Against Cancer in Relay for Life

Thankfully, the torrential winds, rain and hail occurred June 10, the night before The American Cancer Society 2011 Relay for Life at Manasquan Elementary School, 168 Broad St.  The event – the number one fundraiser for the American Cancer Society – was held beginning 5 p.m., June 11, and ending June 12 at 7 a.m.

According to Jane Gutshall, director of special events for the American Cancer Society (ACS), Shrewsbury, “It’s a 12 to 24-hour event, and the whole concept to do it overnight is because cancer never sleeps.”

The Relay – begun 27 years ago by Dr. Gordon Klatt – gives everyone in communities worldwide a chance to celebrate the lives of people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and fight back against cancer.

During the event, teams camp out, and take turns walking or running around the track, with each team asked to have a representative on the track at all times.  Approximately 18 teams comprised of 141 walkers took part in the Relay for Life in Manasquan, and raised more than $33,000 for the effort.

The evening began with a free dinner to honor cancer survivors in attendance, followed by a touching opening ceremony during which survivors – many of whom walked in the Relay – were honored with testimonials, and received special medallions from ACS staff.

Cancer survivor Jackie Adams was headed over to the opening ceremony, and commented, “It’s my first Relay.  I’m very happy to be here doing it, and thank you to all my supporters!”

Although the atmosphere seemed like a festival, it was a more solemn affair on the school’s athletic field. 

“We just lost my mother-in-law to lung cancer,” said walker Anita Rothery, Manasquan, who noted she did the Relay because “It’s a good cause; we’re just trying to support a good cause.”

Walking also in remembrance of a family member was Bill McManus, Manasquan, who shared “I’m doing it for my father who died of cancer in 1990.”

Several teams took part in the walk, such as the contingent Sandy Sneakers which consisted of four teams, one of which had a child survivor on it.  A number of teams had sponsors, with Meridian sponsoring two teams, Team Dragon Slayer and Skeleton Crew.

Jaclyn Lang, Brick – of the 12-person Team Dragon Slayer – rested up prior to the walk, and said, “This is my third Relay – I do it for family members who have passed, and friends who have survived.”

Team member Anthony Moseagiuri, Toms River, also had a close one affected by the disease.  “My girlfriend’s mother had cancer, so I’m here for the support.”

Added another team member, Jane Lang of Brick, “I feel like it’s a good cause.”

According to Gutshall, “The Manasquan Relay is different because it’s a lot of kids and young families – truly an event that is family friendly.”

Lauren O’Neill, Manasquan, was joined by her sons James, 8 ½, and Jude, 7, in the event, and stated, “We’re celebrating the lives of people who were taken too soon,” an opinion shared by her son, Jude, 7, who did the walk “Because we’re celebrating the people who died of cancer.”

Also with her children in tow was Manasquan resident Carrinne Kaplan, a newcomer to the Relay. 

“It’s my first Relay – I have two young children, so I’m not here all night – ‘til the kids fall down, that’s basically it," she said. "I lost all my grandparents – three out of four – to cancer.”

Here for their second Relay for Life were friends, Andrew Tuite and Mark Donnelly, both Manasquan, with Tuite noting “It’s a great cause – cancer has touched everyone.”

Wonderfully choreographing her fourth Relay for Life – and second Relay in Manasquan – Gutshall was assisted by her talented team of co-chairs, Tara Collinson, and Charlee Feeney, and 15 dedicated volunteers.  “It’s a volunteer committee that runs the event; it’s an event by the community for the community,” she stated.

The Relay began with an inspirational “Survivors Lap” led by survivors in bright purple T-shirts who circled the track together to help everyone celebrate the victories achieved over cancer.  Preceding the survivors and carrying the “Relay for Life” banner was a cluster of children taking part in the relay.

Walkers – primarily adults, but also several children, and a few contingents from local schools – began their journey as the sun dipped into the west, and a crescent moon rose in its place.  Shortly after the Relay began, the band Raising Cain provided musical entertainment for supporters.

Children were kept busy – while not doing laps – with a “fishing” booth, sand art station, or frolicking in center field or at the school’s playground.  Entertainment for all ages included the band Gypsy Soul, musical chairs, basketball dribbling around the track, and comedienne Ann Joy Becker.

Walkers could bring their own foods, but food vendors also sold hot dogs, pretzels, baked goods and other foods, with all proceeds benefiting Relay for Life.

After dark, the ACS honored those touched by cancer and remembered loved ones lost to the disease during a luminaria ceremony in which candles were lit inside bags filled with sand, each one bearing the name of a person touched by cancer, and participants walking a lap in silence.

Noted Gutshall as the Relay for Life gathered steam, “I’m happy with the outcome.  It will continue to grow – as people experience it, it will grow.”

Post-Relay donations will be accepted through July 31, and may be made at www.relayforlife.org.