Relay for Life kicks off

Relay For Life, an annual event to raise money for the American Cancer Society (ACS), got its jump-start on January 31.
The drive started with a party held to raise funds, teach others how they could help, and rally support.
Romeo Hitlall, Chair of Relay For Life and organizer of the party, has made it his mission to raise cancer awareness.
“The reason we are having this party and the relay itself is to raise awareness about cancer and to get people to get tested,” said Hitlall. He also explained that cancer is a disease that does not discriminate and therefore it is important for everyone to get tested, even those who think they are at low risk.
The community showed much support for the party. In attendance were Assemblemember Audrey Pheffer and from the mayor’s office, the Queens Director of Community Affairs, Jennifer E. Manley.
Money for the relay is raised through team commitment fees along with donations secured from friends, families, and corporations. The ACS uses the money for research, education, advocacy and service. This money will be appropriated locally to help Queens-based residents who are battling cancer.
Nationally, the ACS is a volunteer health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a source of major health problems in the United States.
Relay for Life is a team-based overnight event of 8 to 15 people in which participants walk in honor of cancer survivors and in the memory of those who were lost to cancer. Families are brought together to commemorate those who have won their battle and to encourage others not to give up the fight. The relay is a block party type event complete with games, food, music, and activities. A candlelight ceremony is going to be held, in which the names of loved-ones will be read aloud. Survivors are encouraged to take a victory lap around the track. The Relay For Life of Richmond Hill will take place on June 21-22 at the Smokey Oval.