The 21st annual American Cancer Society Relay for Life of Middle Village is set to kick off with a bang at the iconic O’Neill’s bar and restaurant in Maspeth, set for Tuesday, March 5.
This launch party which is scheduled to start at 7 p.m. at 64-21 53rd Drive, marks the beginning of the fundraising season, rallying participants and drawing support from well-known community sponsors.
While the Relay For Life itself is scheduled for Saturday, June 22, at Juniper Valley Park’s Brennan Field, the journey to increase engagement and support begins at the March celebration in Maspeth. This event serves as a rallying point for the community, uniting those dedicated to the American Cancer Society’s mission to end cancer.
Melissa Alke-Sparnroft, a dedicated Relay for Life Committee Member and Team Captain, captures the essence of the event: “In Middle Village, we unite driven by a common goal to put an end to cancer. Regardless of how cancer has touched your life or the way you wish to contribute, you’ll find a welcoming team eager to join forces with you.”
The team captain first joined the Relay for Life of Middle Village in 2003 and continues to motivate others to join the cause.
“We hope that all those in our community that have been affected by cancer will join us to remember those we lost and honor those battling cancer,” she added.
The Relay For Life is a volunteer-led experience uniting communities globally to celebrate cancer survivors while honoring loved ones who lost their fight with the disease.
Sponsoring the kick-off event this year are the Glendale Kiwanis, Maspeth Federal Savings, O’Neill’s, Ridgewood Moose Lodge, and Wyckoff Heights Medical Center, all of which are expected to join the kick-off party.
The Relay For Life raises funds to improve the lives of cancer patients, their families, and loved ones through advanced patient support, advocacy, and research. Relay participants across the country help support the American Cancer Society’s mission in countless ways, which also includes generating billions of dollars in essential funds.
According to the American Cancer Society, Relay For Life has raised $6.8 billion since 1985, allowing the ACS to invest $3.1 billion in cancer research, contributing to 3.5 million fewer cancer deaths.
“We share a passion to save lives, celebrate lives, and work to end cancer as we know it – for everyone,” said Linda Helldorfer, Relay Committee Member and Team Captain for 21 years. “Being there for anyone impacted by cancer is year-round work, and we’re excited to kick off the Relay season for 2024.”
Get involved in the Relay for Life of Middle Village at RelayForLife.org/middlevillage to connect with cancer survivors, caregivers, and others impacted by cancer.
