ACS holds Relay For Life rally

The Queens Chapter of the American Cancer Society (ACS) held a Relay For Life meeting to rally their volunteers in the war against cancer.
The kick-off event was held at Slate Restaurant, Bar & Billiards on Bell Boulevard in Bayside on Tuesday evening February 20. Despite the boisterous atmosphere of a crowded pool parlor, the scheduled speakers inspired and motivated the troops to celebrate past victories and to fully prepare to wage war on future battles with cancer.
One of the speakers, Robin Reeman, a volunteer, spoke of the all-night marathon party to take place on June 2 on the parade grounds at Fort Totten in Bayside from 4 p.m. to 7 a.m. the following morning. “People can stay as long as they choose … there will be a D.J., games, and lots of motivation to fight the good fight against cancer,” said Reeman.
Mary Modica, another volunteer, said that people can get a Luminaria bag filled with sand and a candle, which can be purchased for a donation of $10, in memory of anyone who has died from cancer. The Luminaria bags will then be lit and placed on the ground in the form a large circle and participants will either walk or run around the circle. Relay For Life organizers hope to sell 1,000 Luminaria bags for the event. “Even if you walk and take but a few steps, it is a step in the right direction,” said Reeman.
Erin Pezzino, a volunteer and team captain for the upcoming event, explained that the duties of a team captain are to not only lead teams for the night-long event but to serve as a liaison between the ACS and the community at large. “I challenge each of you to reflect upon whether or not you’ve lost someone to cancer and to do something about it,” Pezzino said.
David Golub, Vice-President of the Queens Regional Chapter of the ACS said, “For the first time in American history we can now chart a downward spiral of cancer … 75 percent of cancer can now be prevented.”
Sylvia Johnson, who lost her significant other to cancer said, “I feel I’ve honored Robert by not only volunteering but participating in Relay For Life.”
Leslie Orlovsky, Director of Special Events for the Eastern Division of the ACS, spoke of the importance of fundraising, specifically online fundraising for the Relay For Life event.
“Do not underestimate the importance of online fundraising … people prefer the online approach and the amount of individual donations reflects that. I guess it is because some people do not feel hassled to give. Online donors go to our website and contribute cheerfully,” Orlovsky pointed out. For individuals who wish to contribute online or to take part in the June 2 Relay For Life event may do so by going to: www.acsevents.org/relay/ny/forttotten and for general donations: www.cancer.org.