Monroe hosts Relay for Life

Neither heat, nor rain, nor dark of night could deter the 80 teams registered in the
Monroe-Trumbull Relay for Life Friday night at Masuk High School. Along with
hundreds of dedicated and defiant survivors, caregivers, victims, friends and fundraisers, they joined hands and hearts with the American Cancer Society to fight cancer and find a cure.

Some 636 participants from Monroe and neighboring communities rallied and relayed through the night around a designated track to raise over $70,100 for the American Cancer Society.

"It’s a privilege for Monroe to host an event of this size and nature in the fight against a terrible disease," said First Selectman Steve Vavrek. "I’m really proud of Monroe, it’s residents and how hard they work in the ongoing fight against cancer. With their help the American Cancer Society will find a cure."

The unifying cry at the annual event was “celebrate survival, remember those who lost the fight, and fight back against the disease.” Hundreds donned tee shirts testifying to their support.

"This year we Relay for Grandma!" said Jennifer Draney, captain of the F.A.F.O.S/State Farm team. "In March, my grandmother was diagnosed with cancer in her bladder. They operated and did chemo at 92 years of age! She is our newest survivor! YAY Grandma! We are proud of her for facing the fight and showing the courage needed at her age!"

Other Monroe teams included the Monroe Newcomers and Neighbors and Capt. Kim Henderson. The team camped out overnight and took turns walking around the track "to raise money and awareness to help the American Cancer Society create a world with less cancer and more birthdays." As did Imagination with Capt. Allyson Smith.

Masuk Band and Strings had two teams with captains Deborah and Kurt Strumpf.
According Deborah her husband, Kurt, was diagnosed with skin cancer six years ago. Kurt was fortunate and came through surgery cancer free and has remained that way. She attributes a skin cancer bookmark found in a waiting room with the diagnosis that saved his life. She encourages greater public awareness.

Team Monroe Pack 162 with Capt. Vanessa Siveyer relayed along with team Panther Pride and Capt. Jeanne Malgioglio. Fawn Hollow had two teams with captains
Anna Battagliotti and Mary Ellen Mysogland. Their students wanted "to make a
meaningful difference in the fight against cancer." The United Methodist Church of
Monroe also had a team with Capt. Alex Arnold.

The Night Owl Walkers has six teams with Captains Gregory Miller, Jessica Morcone, and Brian Morcone. "Unfortunately the 6- letter ‘C’ word has been involved in our family very much," Brian Marcone said. "Won't that be a great day when all of the suffering will end and everyone will be as happy as we were on that night Jess' (his sister) doctor called (to say she was clear of cancer)."

Manny’s Haircuts sponsored the Sisters for a Cure team with Capt. Jeanette Combs. And Capt. Brittany Lorenti pulled together a team for Canterbury Pediatrics.

Many of the teams raised additional funds for a cure at Relay with the sale of bottled water, bracelets, games, food and even the opportunity to throw a cream pie at a willing face. Upon registration all team members committed to raising $100 each.

The Trumbull Chamber Singers officially opened Relay ceremonies with songs of
hope followed by the national anthem for presentation of the colors by the Stevenson Volunteer Fire Department. The event coordinator was Mary Kate Doherty.

The first Relay was carried out in 1985 by a single person, Dr. Gordy Klatt, a colorectal surgeon in Tacoma, Washington. He had seen enough of the terrible disease and decided to run and walk around a track for 24 hours to raise money for the American Cancer Society.

Since then, Relay for Life has grown from a lone man’s passion to fight cancer into the world’s largest movement to eradicate the disease. Each year, more than 3.5 million people in 5,000 communities in the United States, alone, participate in the annual event. Relay For Life events are now held in communities spanning 20 countries.