Relay for Life at All Sport Fishkill Raises $97,000 for the American Cancer Society

The Piccone family gathers around their youngest, 6-yearold Lauren, center, to watch as she cuts the opening ribbon for this American Cancer fundraiser, held at All Sport Fishkill. They are, left to right, father, Michael, sister Danielle, brother Jonathon and mother Michelle. Lauren's purple Relay for Life shirt signifies that she is a cancer survivor.

Families, friends and coworkers came together on Friday, June 13, 2008 at All Sport Fishkill with the goal to raise money to benefit the American Cancer Society and achieved incredible success. The 7th annual Relay for Life raised more than $97,000. The event hosted by All Sport Fishkill gathered 47 teams from throughout Dutchess County who walked relay style around the track at the Outdoor Park. The park was filled with more than 1,700 people who came to this outdoor fundraiser to honor cancer survivors and fight cancer. *The weather and turnout this year is absolutely fantastic. Seeing so many people come together because of cancer is both heart wrenching and heart warming,* said Christine Kolosky, chairperson of Relay for Life. *Each year we surpass our goals thanks to the dedication and support of our committee, volunteers, the community and teams who are so committed to making this a success. Our sincere gratitude goes out to everyone for their selfless contributions to Relay for Life and the American Cancer Society."

The evening started with a touching opening ceremony honoring cancer survivors with a speech from cancer survivor, Rosemarie Ameo and a ribbon cutting done by 6-year-old cancer survivor, Lauren Piccone from Fishkill.

Relay for Life's mission to Celebrate, Fight Back and Remember was accomplished with a variety of events. Live entertainment by The Costellos, St. George and Friends, VP Dance Academy Dancers, a Penny Social & Silent Auction and themed laps created a celebration of life! Guest Speaker Elizabeth Young, P.A. from DRA Imaging offered words of encouragement and inspiration at the Fight Back Ceremony. To remember there was an emotional luminaria ceremony at 10pm, opened by speaker, Steve Borillo. Over 2,000 luminaria bags, which were purchased to honor cancer survivors or in memory of loved ones who lost their battle against this illness, were filled with sand and a candle. The bags were lined up along the track and lit, giving a beautiful, somber reminder of how many lives are touched by cancer.

All funds raised will be used for research, education and patient service programs in Dutchess County. If you would like to contribute you can send checks made payable to The American Cancer Society to: The American Cancer Society, 2678 South Road, Suite 102, Poughkeepsie, NY, 12601.