Relay For Life

The Greater Middletown Relay For Life was held on Saturday, June 12 from 12 noon to Sunday, June 13 at noon, at the Woodrow Wilson Middle School Track on Hunting Hill Avenue with over 70 team sites with tents, lawn chairs and decorations.  There are over 900 pre-registered participants who took turns walking around the track for the duration of the Relay.  One person from each of the 70 teams was on the track at all times. Relay is a chance to Celebrate, Remember and Fight Back!

Opening Ceremonies began at 4:00 pm.  The Relay Committee of 2010 was introduced by Chairwoman Amy Hughes.  The National Anthem was sung by Kayla Land, with remarks from Honorable Mayor Sebastian Giuliano, Dr Michael Frechette Superintendent of Middletown Schools and Survivor Speaker Marilyn McAlee.

At 4:30pm, the first Lap of Relay For Life was the Survivor Lap.  Cancer Survivors came and walked the first lap with some in wheelchairs to be present to celebrate their survival.  This lap was lead by Girl Scouts Troup 62048. It is very emotional and hopeful to see so many people who DO survive cancer!  Following this lap, was the Caregiver lap with their Survivors.  A reception and dinner immediately followed to honor them.  Don Zywocinski played guitar during the dinner. CNX Radio Connecticut broadcasted live during the opening ceremonies and the Survivor reception.

In the evening at 8:30 pm, there was a Torch and Luminaria Ceremony.  The first lap was walked  with torches purchased to honor a survivor or in memory of a loved one.  Luminaria white bags with candles in each were placed around the track.  Each bag has a story to tell, each one is in honor of a cancer survivor or in memory of someone who has lost their battle with cancer.  The candlelit bags lined the track and light the way for Relay For Life as participants walked throughout the night.  The Wilkos family spoke about having a son with cancer and how they are celebrating life.  There was a large screen with scrolled names of the local Survivors and the names of those who lost their battle with cancer.  Bagpipes were played and the mood was very solemn  

The weather was becoming very rainy and then lightening halted the Relay.  Emergency Management sent the participants to the school and then sent everyone home until the morning for their safety. 

The following morning participants returned at 8:00, The Fight Back Ceremony was held.  This ceremony was for all present to make a commitment to continue and remind each other that the fight is not over after this Relay.  Susan Myers spoke about being a caregiver for her son and how she has become involved with the American Cancer Society Relay For Life.  A  purple chain was held around the track to visually show the number of cancer survivors present in our area.  Flags were given to all to take as reminder to continue the fight against cancer.  Participants signed the fight back banner and received a fight back red bracelet.  Promises were written to promote early detection with testing, to support the research, education, advocacy and patient services vital to the mission of eliminating cancer through the American Cancer Society.

Closing Ceremonies begin at 11:00 am with drawings and awards.  The final Victory Lap was be lead by Committee Members and concluded the Greater Middletown Relay 2010.