Brewster Relay for Life held its second annual Relay at Brewster High School this past Saturday June 2, 2018. Thirty-three Teams of walkers comprised of 284 people walked the BHS track from 5pm until Midnight. The opening ceremony lead by Event Chairs Rose Aglieco, Tina Aulabaugh and Kate Corsitto. They reminded everyone that there are over 15 million cancer survivors alive today because of events such as this Relay for Life that provides funding for the American Cancer Society. The American Cancer Society has various programs for cancer patients such as rides to doctors appointments and chemotherapy session to support groups for patients, families and caregivers. The day was also to remember those lost to cancer - but not to mourn them - to celebrate their lives and wonderful memories.
Zach Schwartz, of Team Zak Attack, held the US Flag aloft during the National Anthem which was sung by Brewster resident Annie Sullivan. It also happened to be Miss Sullivan's 16th birthday and Rose Aglieco led the crowd in singing Happy Birthday to her when she finished the Anthem.
Alan Bernstein, a three time survivor and former resident of Patterson, NY now living in Tuckahoe, took the stage. He informed the crowd of his experiences 12 years ago when he first heard the diagnosis "you have cancer" from his doctors. Although it was considered an early, treatable form of testicular cancer he could not stop wondering "What if it's not? What will happen to my two daughters and my wife?" The range of emotion was overwhelming. Then after receiving treatment for that he found he had Kidney Cancer and in just a few short years he was again facing a battle with cancer. After having his kidney removed and receiving treatment he was looking forward to hopefully being cancer free yet it was not menat to be. He was the diagnosed with bladder cancer and again underwent the grueling treatment. He has now beaten three different forms of cancer within about 5-7 years and has been cancer free for a few years. He recently had his first grandchild who is named after him. He is forever grateful to the American Cancer Society for their support and the information he needed to wage a successful battle.
The Brewster High School Marching band and Flag team then led the assembled cancer survivors in attendance on the first lap of the night. The teams then went to work walking the track and attending to their tents at which there were activities for more fundraising. These activities included coloring tables for kids, face painting, Dr. Hooks ring toss and one team even had a mini boxing ring in which participants could don gloves and punch a standing practice bag few minutes. Several teams sold hamburgers, hot dogs and even knishes for the hungry spectators. Several others sold water and others drinks to help keep people cool on the hot humid evening.
Later in the evening the Luminaia ceremony was held everyone was asked to in silence remember a loved one or honor the person they were there to honor. The list was long, from mother and fathers to children to aunts and uncles and friends were all mentioned. As each participant heard their particular category, sounds of the cracking of the glow sticks were the only break in the silence. Luminaria, bags with glow sticks inside with the name of honorees and loved ones lost, encircled the track. Over 300 Luminaria were decorated with the name of a loved one. Some were just plain names and others were elaborated decorated but ALL had a special meaning for someone. Susan Andres, a teacher from the Brewster Central School District, recounted how over a decade ago she lost her father to cancer. She stated that it was especially difficult for her, as she was the epitome of a daddy's girl and how she misses their daily talks. The crowd then took a silent lap around the track while holding their sticks high and most stopped to see the Luminarias of family and friends and remember before completing the lap.
At midnight a closing ceremony was held and the event leaders thanked all who came out and participated in this years event. They announced that as of midnight the online donations collected by all teams was over $94,000. After they had counted the days donations from all the activities they will reach their goal of $100,000 dollars. Team Acrish, in Memory of local Rabbi Solomon Acrish who succumbed to the disease 2 years ago raised over $21,000 and was the top fundraising team. Mrs Agleico also acknowledged Kate DiVenuto of the American Cancer Society and thanked her for all her hard work and help these past two years in making Brewster Relay for Life the success it has become.
For a complete list of teams and the individual participants please visit the Brewster Relay for Life American Cancer Society web page.
The committee would like to thank their generous sponsors. Thanks to:
Aversano’s, Health Quest, WHUD, TAPinto, Brewster HamletHub, M&T Bank, Northeast Radiology, James L. Hayes MBA & Co., Inc., Stewart Title, Levine Auto & Truck Parts, Lisi’s Towing Service, ALL Fuel Inc., Brewster Beer & Soda, Palmer Brother’s Hardware, Tobacco & Son’s Landscaping, Durkin Propane, Putnam Bright Smile Dentistry, Bates Airport & Limo, Borchert & LaSpina, A. Pennella Landscaping & Masonry Inc., 7 Stars Restaurant, Heidi’s Inn, Trinity Physical Therapy, Mobil – Brewster Gas Corp., Advanced Chiropractic Wellness Care, Dennis Palmer Plumbing & Heating, Southeast Sports Complex, Atlantic Construction & Coatings, North Brewster Deli, Durante Waters LLC, Daniel Jewelers, George Apap Painting, World Insurance Associates, Brewster Subaru, Schech's Pool Spa & Patio, Kobacker’s, Brewster Flower Garden, ACME, DeCicco’s, Empire Cinemas and Ace Endico.
Katie DiVenuto stated, "The 2018 Relay For Life of Brewster was an amazing community event, all due to the hard work of you, our teams, our survivors, our caregivers, our sponsors, and our incredible Event Leadership Team. Because of you, more lives will be saved through the work of the American Cancer Society."
Click here for more pictures of the event visit Brewster HamletHub on Facebook.
***As of 3 PM this afternoon Relay event leader Rose Aglieco reports the total donations has reached $110,000 dollars. You can still donate on line at the American Cancer Society web page listed above.
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