Real Programs for Real People
As I am sure you know, Relay For Life is one of the main fundraising events for the American Cancer Society. You may also know that Relay For Life of New Fairfield, that is taking place June 1st, is going into its 12th year. We pride ourselves in raising funds and awareness and in helping out our community. What you may not know, is that the money raised at Relay For Life events like ours goes to more than research. The American Cancer Society is a real world support of Cancer Patients and their daily struggles. Yes, Money does go to finding and funding a cure so one day we can proudly say “We eradicated cancer!” Money is also allocated for transportation, treatment, lodging, wigs and one on one information and support from trained staff.
Ok, so you’ve heard the words “You have cancer.” Now what? The American Cancer Society (ACS) is there to answer those questions. ACS offers support online at cancer.org, by phone at 1-800-227-2345 and right in your backyard. No matter the language our distance; you can and will be helped 24/7! Along with those places for information you can check out the Cancer Survivors Network (csn.cancer.org) and connect with others battling the same! There are tons of ways to get your hands on information which at the heart, is the first and most important step. This past March, 556 patients were served with information and insight into programs in connecticut. Over 500 in one month, can you imagine!?
You’ve got your information and you’re beginning treatment but the fight is far from over. Where will you stay during treatment that is miles from home? How can you make it to appointments when you’re beyond exhausted and weak? The entire process is daunting to say the least. Thankfully, that is where the American Cancer Society stepped in again. In March 72 people were helped by trained Patient Navigators. These Individuals help with Local resources, customized information for each patient's diagnosis and arranges programs. They help alleviate some of the stress in your journey so you and your cancer care team can focus on YOU and YOUR treatment.
Patient Navigators can guide you to programs like the Road to Recovery that served 127 patients with 1,115 rides saving them over $42.9K in our state in March. Another hurdle is a place to stay when treatment and appointments are miles from home. Hope lodges and discounted hotels are there to fill that need. In March, 2 patients spent 11 nights and saved $2.1K in our state. All of this adds up to big savings especially when treatment is so costly.You can create the best treatment in the world but if it isn’t accessible it still cannot save lives. This is why Relay For Life of New Fairfield proudly raises funds and awareness. Cancer takes such a toll and if our event can not only bring our community together but also provide hope and save lives then we must persevere.
Our event is less than a month away. June 1st will bring together a year of fighting as we celebrate with a luncheon for our survivors and caregivers that is envied by many (don’t miss out, seriously!) A slideshow of survivors and a pinwheel garden just for caregivers. There will be games, food, prizes and more. The high school Jazz band will perform along with Paralyzed Love and Split Decision. Master Songs will Demo for us again this year (a serious favorite and staple of our events) and we will have Zumba with Tim twice! There will be face painting, crafts, big ticket raffles, popcorn, snow cones and fresh grilled goodies courtesy of the Lions Club! Did we mention the Bouncy house? We will be cutting hair to donate for wigs (free to those in need) and celebrating our top sponsor, New Fairfield Dental with a sponsor lap at 4 pm.
Our Goal is simple: :$100,000 of hope raised and a day filled with fun, family and friends. Make a donation. Sign up for a Volunteer shift (https://goo.gl/Esibp6) Join us and celebrate on June 1st at the High School track at 3 pm for opening ceremony or anytime up until 11 when participants will go it alone in the name of a cure!
We are real people making real change in the lives of real people. Questions? Email us! relay4lifenf@gmail.com