Many upbeat as Lewiston-Niagara Relay planning gets under way

by Terry Duffy
Lewiston Porter Sentinel, February 10, 2007

It was an evening of thanks, but also one of high expectation as the American Cancer Society’s Lewiston-Niagara Relay For Life committee held its “Relay Kick-off” session Tuesday at the Lewiston Senior Center.

“This is the kick-off for our 10th annual Lewiston Niagara Relay For Life,” announced relay co-chair Cheryl Martin to the 45-plus in attendance. “It’s a really big deal.”

Indeed it is.

Changes for 2007

Attendees heard how the always successful Lewiston-Porter Relay – one of the longest running on the Western New York scene – pulled in over $102,000 last year, a record, and ambitions are being set all the higher for the 2007 edition, which comes with a new name and a completely new location. “It wouldn’t have happened without you,” proclaimed 2006 Relay co-chair Ona Sherman, telling the group that over the years Lewiston Relay participants have raised an impressive $622,000 for cancer research, as she went on to thank them and rally their support for 2007.

ACS Community representative Cindy Burger also lent her praise to the Lewiston Relay group, informing them of how nearly a million dollars was raised last year throughout WNY from nearly 9,000 Relay participants. “You continue to lead the pack with your reputation.” Informing them of 2007’s Lewiston-Niagara Relay goal -- $105,000 – she added, “I’m sure you’ll do it again this year.”

Now known as the Relay For Life of Lewiston-Niagara, this year’s name was changed to better reflect the western Niagara County region. It will take place Friday and Saturday, June 8-9, at Academy Park in the village of Lewiston. Previously held on the running track behind Lewiston-Porter High School, it was moved this year to Academy due to planned capital improvements on the Lew-Port campus.

‘Great Site’

Martin was upbeat as she spoke of the new Academy Park location, which, while smaller in size than the Lew-Port site, brings many plusses in eyes of organizers, due to its centralized location. “It’s a great site,” said Martin as she noted the annual very successful Lewiston Kiwanis Peach Fest that takes place there each fall. “We’re going to fence it off … there will be two stages for entertainment. It will be huge … more exposure. We have a lot of support … the mayor was really pleased that we’re coming,” Martin said.

While she also praised the Lew-Port site, Martin added that Academy could well become the location for future Relays if all goes as hoped.

Lewiston Relay 2007 co-chair Sheri Morgan announced this year’s theme – “Holidays and Celebrations” – as she assembled a colorfully costumed group of Relay team captains together. “Pick a holiday … I don’t care how crazy it sounds. People do crazy things. Let’s do it.”

As she gathered with the dozen-plus team captains, an impressed Martin added, “This is an amazing group. We’re so thrilled to a part of this group.”

Relay Survivor, Caregiver Introduced

Stu Lowe, who co-chaired last year’s event, offered yet another change to the ’07 Relay format as he introduced this year’s Honorary Survivor – Jennepher Fink – and a new Relay Honorary Caregiver – Niagara Falls Police Officer Chuck Fink, Jennepher’s husband, both of Niagara Falls.

Jennepher, who told attendees how she lost two family members to cancer, recalled her own battles when she learned of some troubling news from a mammogram. “They were all pretty serious … I tried to remain upbeat. “It’s been three years, but I’ve survived it.” She went on to praise the role of her husband, Chuck, throughout her battle.

“It is their battles (as a survivor) that we’re here to honor,” he replied.

‘Winning the Battle’

Rallying the Relay corps, Burger said they’re all having an impact. “We’re winning the battle … cancer deaths are declining,” she said, telling the group cancer deaths, which began their drop in 2003 by 70, are now down an impressive 3,000 in number, due to the continuing headways in cancer research, greatly assisted by funding, much of it in part by Relay For Life. “What you guys do, it really does matter,” Burger said.

Over the course of the session, echoes of hope and promise were proclaimed to all Relay Team captains as well as the many others in attendance, as ideas for a variety of fund-raiser projects were offered, plans, goals and logistical items discussed, and a building of support grew. Attendees were informed by Martin, for example, that this year’s Relay already has three corporate sponsors -- Sam’s Club, which donated $1,500; D&R Contracting, $5,000; and DWC Mechanical, a new sponsor this year, which also donated $5,000. Calling attendees to rise to the challenge, she said. “We want to show them we’re with them, we appreciate the battle, we support them.”

The session closed with discussions on strategies, organizing and support, and dates set for Team Captains meetings in coming months. Included are: March 6 at Messiah Lutheran Church, 915 Oneida St., Lewiston; April 3 at Knead the Dough, 3645 Ransomville Road, Ransomville; May 8 the Lewiston Senior Center; and June 4 at the Community Resource Center on the Lew-Port Creek Road campus. All are open to the public and residents interested in participating are invited to attend. Meeting times are at 7 p.m.

For further information on Relay For Life of Lewiston-Niagara, visit their Web site.