McBride inspires Relay from afar

Grand Island Dispatch, June 12, 2009 Honorary cancer survivor Dan McBride couldn’t make it to this year’s edition of the Grand Island Relay For Life fundraiser for the American Cancer Society, but his story wasn’t far from those in attendance. Hundreds of Islanders and dozens of teams took part in the Relay again this year on June 5-6 at Grand Island High School’s Masters Field. McBride, a yearly participant in the event after overcoming mantle cell lymphoma with a bone marrow transplant in October 2006, was named the honorary survivor for the Relay last year. But in December 2008, he noticed swelling in his neck and a loss of energy and was soon told the bad news that his cancer had returned. He received a bone marrow transplant in May and is now recovering. Unable to attend the event, McBride called Relay via cell phone. “Hello, Relay,” he said over the phone, to a large heartfelt cheer from the crowd.  “I just want to say than I am honored to be the 2009 Honorary Survivor. I want to thank everyone for all the love and support given to my family and I.” He thanked the event committee for their work each year. Dan McBride’s daughter and caregiver Rachael McBride told her father’s compelling story of overcoming mantle cell lymphoma. His blood work numbers were so high, Rachael said, that when he walked into Roswell Park Cancer Institute to check into the hospital the nurses had expected to admit a man on a stretcher. McBride’s story was mirrored 100-fold by survivors who walked the track to raise money for the American Cancer Society.

Rachael McBride holds her cell phone to the microphone so her father Dan can address the participants in the 2009 Grand Island Relay For Life. Dan McBride, the honorary cancer survivor of the event, is recuperating from a bone marrow transplant.

“To all of you survivors, keep up the fight and walk a lap today with your heads held high. You are an inspiration to everyone here, and my father will be here next year to walk a lap with you,” Rachael said.

The American Cancer Society’s Jane Dent said she expects Grand Island’s edition of the Relay to be the top money raiser of Relays in Western New York. Dent thanked “the unsinkable” Mary Dunbar-Daluisio, the GI event’s chair, for taking the lead in the endeavor, which has raised more than $550,000 in its history, including $143,000 in 2008.

“Equally as important as the money raised is the awareness that has been generated” by the Relay For Life, Dent said.

Dent noted that GI was honored with its selection as an enrollment site for its third cancer prevention study, and she urged those between 30 and 65 who had never been diagnosed with cancer to join the study by signing up at the nearby tent. Money raised in events such as Relay For Life helps to fund such cancer studies, Dent said.

“Cheers to the grandest island of them all,” Dent said.

Nancy Webb, volunteer chair for the cancer study signup effort, said the Relay had reached its goal of enrolling 200 people in the survey. Participants filled out a short survey and gave a blood sample at the Relay For Life tent and will fill out a longer survey form in the coming weeks. Then, during the course of the next 20-30 years, the participants will fill out future surveys on their health.

Emory University, working closely with the American Cancer Society, is conducting the survey.

“They hope to figure out what it is that may be causing cancer and ways to prevent cancer,” said Webb.

The City of Thorold, Ontario, Bagpipe Band performs during the Luminaria ceremony.