Spring is just around the corner. We know that because the Grand Island Relay For Life Kick-Off was held Wednesday, February 8, 2007. Numerous teams came out to the high school auditorium to hear what's new and to pick up their Team Captain Packets. Returning co-chairs, Mary Dunbar-Daluisio and Peter McMahon, brought everyone up to date on the state of the Grand Island Relay which will be held at the high school field on Friday, June 8th. This year's theme is Island of Hope, "Go Retro For A Cure." Close to $120,000 was raised in 2006 by the Grand Island Relay, up 30% from the previous year. American Cancer Society representative Deb Bogdan was on hand to visit her "favorite" relay and to report that Grand Island's Relay is the fastest growing event in WNY and #2 overall in the area.
During the program, last year's Honorary Survivor Alicia Sommers welcomed Beth Dommer as Honorary Survivor 2007 in a candle lighting ceremony. Cassie Ungaro impressed the attendees when she sang the uplifting "Just A Prayer Away" during the ceremony. Beth, who is also a team captain for Bus's R' Us, gave a heartfelt speech describing her journey with cancer and her pleasure in helping out with the Relay. Beth also gave all survivors attending a bottle of bubbles to signify well wishes and celebrate being a survivor. The youngest survivor at the meeting was Ian Cameron who especially enjoyed the bubbles.
Another highlight of the evening was Stu Lowe, a member of the Lewiston Relay For Life, who gave a power point presentation on this past fall's Celebration on the Hill in Washington D.C. which was attended by 10,000, Relayers, including co-chairs Peter McMahon and Mary Dunbar-Daluisio. The kick-off was very motivational for all the participants.
Captain Meetings Schedule:
Tuesday, March 6, 7:00 p.m. - High School Cafeteria
Tuesday, April 3, 7:00 p.m. - High School Cafeteria
Tuesday, May 8, 7:00 p.m. - High School Cafeteria
Tuesday, May 29, 7:00 p.m. - High School Cafeteria (T-Shirt Distribution & Bank Night)
Easter Candy Fundraiser - February 2007
The Relay For Life 2007 Flanigen Lane's Flaniliscious team is selling delicious Fowler's Easter Chocolates to benefit the American Cancer Society Relay For Life. Call team captain Diane Garey at 773-5714 if you need Easter Chocolates and help support this worthy cause.
Relay For Life 2007 Honorary Survivor - 2007
Beth Dommer with the school district bus fleet.
By Jodi Robinson
Elizabeth "Beth" Dommer has been chosen as the honorary survivor for the Grand Island Relay For Life 2007. Beth came to Grand Island from Kenmore in 1974 with her husband, Michael, and has two grown sons, Robert, now living in North Carolina and Richard, of Herkimer, NY. Beth was told on June 17, 1990 during a routine exam that she had breast cancer. Three weeks later she was having surgery at Sister's Hospital and after a mastectomy, the doctors found her lymph nodes were clear and no chemotherapy was needed. She feels "guilty" that she had an "easy" time of it compared to other cancer patients. So she gives back...anyway she can.
Beth is a bus driver for the Grand Island School District and is captain for this year's Buses R' Us team. This is her fourth year on the team and she is a natural for captain with her positive outlook and enthusiasm. Beth's mother and grandmother died of breast cancer so she walks for them and for herself. A sister from New Jersey has spent the last two years walking with Beth at the Grand Island Relay and is now helping a Baptist church in Plainfield, NJ hold their first relay. Last fall Beth watched her best friend, who walked with her in Relay 2006, die of cancer. Typical for Beth, she brought dinner to the family at hospice and comforted them through the sickness and now. Beth is a survivor and a wonderful, giving lady who is a fine choice for honorary survivor 2007.
Grand Island Relay For Life Kick-Off - February 2007
The Grand Island Relay For Life Kick-Off will take place at 7 p.m. Wednesday, February 7, 2007 High School Auditorium for hands-on information. A personal invitation is extended to all to join the Island of Hope in its fight against cancer.
The American Cancer Society Relay For Life Grand Island will take place Friday, June 8th. "It is your chance to get involved in our town's event held annually on the track of Grand Island High School with a carnival atmosphere," Island Co-chair Mary Dunbar-Daluisio. "It is fun for all ages," she said. For more information, call Jane Dent at American Cancer Society at 689-6982 ext. 117 or visit the website at www.acsevents.org/relay/ny/grandisland. for hands-on information. We extend a personal invitation to you to join the Island of Hope in its fight against cancer.
Co-chairs are Mary Dunbar-Daluisio and Peter McMahon.
Island Relay For Life Selling "Dream and Believe" T-Shirts - December 2006
Members of the Grand Island Relay For Life 2007 are selling "Dream and Believe" tee-shirts to benefit the upcoming relay taking place on Friday, June 8, 2007 at Masters Field, 1100 Ransom Road. The shirts, selling at $10 each, are available in white and grey. All proceeds will go to the American Cancer Society. Shirts are available through team volunteers and also at DeSignet Jewelry store, 1869 Whitehaven Road. "Makes a great holiday gift!" a spokesman for the shirt sale said this week.
Volunteers Needed For Local Relay For Life - December 2006
American Cancer Society Relay For Life Comes To Grand Island and volunteers are needed. Click for Island Relay For Life.
