The Patterson Chapter of the American Cancer Society`s Relay for life group held it`s 9th annual kick off dinner this past Wednesday evening at the Centennial Golf Club in Brewster. The group is once again teaming with the American Cancer Society to raise awareness and money for cancer research and to asssist families with costs associated with fighting cancer.
Relay For Life is a team fundraising event where team members take turns walking around a track or designated path. Each event is 6-24 hours in length and each team is asked to have a member on the track at all times to signify that cancer never sleeps. Cancer patients don't stop because they're tired, and for one night, neither do the Relay participants
Each team sets up a themed campsite at the event and continues their fundraising efforts by collecting donations for food, goods, games, and activities. All proceed go to the research and to assist patients with everyday needs such a rides to treatment and even overnight accomodations if the patient has to travel great distances for their treatment.
The American Cancer society representative and relay member Tracey Walsh, acting as MC, started off by dedicating this years Relay for Life in the memory of Retired Patterson Town Justice John King who lost his long battle with the disease in October and Erin Bentivenga, a Patterson teen who lost her battle this past January. An unfortunate last minute Honoree was Crissy Hajkowski, a 40 year old mom from Patterson who succumbed just this past Sunday after a 14 year fight.
The evening consisted of raffles, music and tributes to all three honorees. Local teen Gabby Paige paid tribute to her friend Erin Bentivega with a rendition of "Over The Rainbow" that left nary a dry eye in the house. Several area luminaries were in attendance including County Executive Mary Ellen O`Dell who spoke breifly about the hope that events such as relay provides patients, family friends and caregivers battling cancer.
When dinner was concluded The King family was invited to speak and Judge King`s Widow, Jerri, who herself had just finished chemo treatments the day before took center stage with her children Jeff and Robin. Robin read a moving account of her fathers life, from his days as a State Trooper when he would drive her brother and herself to school in a patrol car because they were always late, to his 28 years on the Patterson bench. She spoke of his devotion to family (especially his grandchidren whom considered his most precious possession) and friends and how he was always willing to attend virtually any fundraising events even as he battled several different cancers over the last 15 years. He and his wife sometimes attended 3 events in a single day in the community.
Other speakers included Melissa Teran-Contreras, the Patient Navigator at Healthquest PHC (Putnam Hospital Center) and Bernie Cummins a local volunteer who spoke about the events mission. Entertainment was provided by DJ Russ of Arising Entertainment of Carmel who kept the mood upbeat all night. The evening concluded with a candlelight vigil in memeory of the Honorees and all those who are battling cancer
This years Relay event will be held at the Patterson Fire Department HQ Located at 13 Burdick Rd on June 10th and 11th. Other event sponsors include Sauros Deli as well as private individuals.
For more information or to find out how to become involved as a team member or a volunteer contact the Patterson Relay for Life Team at www.relayforlife.org/pattersonny or visit their Facebook page "Patterson Relay For Life".