GI Relay For Life holds reunion

by Larry Austin

On the cusp of breaking the $1 million mark in funds raised for the American Cancer Society, supporters of the Grand Island Relay For Life held a "reunion" gathering Tuesday at the Knights of Columbus.

The event was a time to reflect on what Bonnie Sciuk, the first chair  of Grand Island of Relay For Life, called the Island's unmatched team spirit. "It's just incredible what the Island has done," she said, "and with all the wonderful people who have worked so hard. This has been a big team effort."

One of those workers, Mary Dunbar-Daluisio, chaired the event for eight years and in 2009 was honored by ACS as one of the Heroes of Hope. "We have to take care of each other," she said. "And that's one of our ways, trying to make as many people as possible comfortable with their situation."

Sciuk said she "never, never" imagined that the cause on the Island would surpass $1 million just 10 years later. "We were just so thankful for what we did," Sciuk said. "But as each year grew, now that we've gotten to where we are, it's easy to reflect and say, yes, we're going to make it."

"I think it's marvelous. The team spirit here on the Island, I don't think you'll find it anywhere like we have it."