FEATURE ARTICLES
Front Page
Events Calendar
Letters To Isledegrande
Features
In the Service

DONATIONS

View our Archives

Between Archives

TOWN NEWS
Town News
School Board
Town Board
Lost Pets
Government
Islanders
Fire News
Fire Report


GUESTBOOK
Guestbook
Search
Old Guestbooks


ReUnion Central



BUSINESS
Advertise With Us
Business News


MISCELLANEOUS
Churches
Deaths
New Photos
Old Photo Album
Sesquicentennial
Sports
Town History


GRAND ISLAND GROUP LIST
Alumni Association
American Legion
Autism Support
Bible Fellowship Center
Bible Presbyterian Church
Boy Scout Troop #510
Boy Scout Troop #630
Bridgeview Garden Club
Buffalo Launch Club
Bus Garage
Cinderella Isle
  Garden Club

Community Chorus
Connor Middle School
Conservative Committee
Coop Nursery School
Cornerstone Church
Cub Pack #425
Cub Pack #630
DeGlopper Memorial
Expansion Committee

Democratic Comm.
East Park Garden Club
Fire Company
Friends of the Library
Girl Scouts
Golden Age Center
Grand Island Farms
GI Foundation
GI E.D.A.B.
GI High School
GI Little League
GI Soccer Club
GI Teachers Assoc.
Historic Trinity
Historical Society
Holy Name Society
(St. Stephen's)

Huth Road
Elementary School

Island
Presbyterian Church

Jack and Jill Preschool
Jr. Viking Football
Kaegebein School
Kiwanis Club
Knights of Columbus
Knights of Columbus
Good Samaritan

League of Women Voters
Library
Lions Club
Ministerium
Miracle League
MOMS Club
Moose Lodge #180
MVK of WNY
Neighbors Foundation
Parent Teachers Assoc.
PTSA
Parish Players
Recreation Department
Relay For Life
Republican Women's Club
Republican Committee
River Lea Quilters
Riverside-Salem
Rotary Club
Sandy Beach Yacht Club
Sesquicentennial
Sidway Reunion
Sidway School
Snowmobile Club
St. Martin-in-the-Fields
St. Stephen Church
St. Stephen School
St. Timothy
Lutheran Church

Save The Michael's
Teddy's Islettes
Trinity Church GI
VFW 9249
West River Homeowners
Women's Club of GI
WOW
Young Life
Zonta Club


USEFUL LINKS
Currency Exchange
Dictionary
Temperament Sorter
Enneagram
Language Translator
MedicineNet
Online Recipes
NYS Government
US Gov -IRS
Postal Services







PLEASE PATRONIZE
OUR ADVERTISERS
LISTED BELOW

AMUSEMENTS
Mallwitz's Island Lanes

CHIROPRACTOR/
PEDIATRIC
Riverview Chiropractic

FUNERAL HOME
Kaiser Funeral Home

JEWELRY
deSignet International

LAWYERS
Mark J. Frentzel

LIQUOR
Rose Liquor

LANDSCAPING/EXCAVATING
Sam Long's Landscaping

OPTICIAN
Grand Island Optical

ORGANIZATIONS
West River Homeowners

PLUMBING
Frank's Mr. Plumber

POWER EQUIPMENT
Marston Power Equipment

REAL ESTATE
Century 21/Gerrie Andolina
Metro Town Center/Betty Harris
HUNT-Sherry McDonald

RESTAURANTS
John's Pizza & Subs
The Village Inn

WATCH REPAIR
Otto Zimmerman and Son


Grand Island Relay For Life
2014


Saturday, May 31st - 2:00 p.m. - 2:00 a.m.
Veterans Park
A.C.S. Grand Island Relay Site

Relay For Life Page - 2013




Relay for Life 2014 Wrap Up - June 2014

Aaron Bobeck photo

    "It's funny how some distance, makes everything seem small. And the fears that once controlled me, can't get to me at all. Let It Go, Let It Go. You'll never see me cry. Here I'll stand, and here I'll stay." These were just a few words that students from Huth Road Elementary School sang to an audience with overwhelming approval. Cancer survivors echo those words every day and they stood together on May 31st as the community of Grand Island Rocked out Cancer at the 12th annual Relay For Life. Committee members are so proud to report that the 2014 "Rocking Out Cancer" themed event once again rocked it out of the park. The "Rocking Out Cancer" theme was one of the most successful themes to date. Wherever you looked, music memorabilia from the 50's, 60's, 70's, 80's, all the way till present day were evident. Every team represented there was ornamented out in the rock and roll theme.
    The atmosphere truly was that of a rock concert with all eyes focused on the main stage; the stage of defeating cancer once and for all. Opening ceremonies began at 6:00 where our Honorary Survivor Casey Dahlstrom gave a speech that every single person there will always remember. Casey spoke directly to cancer and told cancer that he is a part of the greatest community ever and together this community will hunt you down and destroy you. He spoke how we all feel and as he read those words, you could feel the mood in the atmosphere turn somewhat unsettled like a storm before dropping its first rain drop. This storm we call cancer was now not only dealing with Casey, but dealing with each and every one of us and suddenly cancer knew with all its power, it was no match for the tornado that was heading its way.
    We remembered and honored our past honorary survivors; Ted, Christine, Laura, Alicia, Beth, Lisa, Dan, Sheryl, Ian, Frank and Ann Marie. We celebrated with Queen Mary Dunbar-Daluisio as she stood strong representing the love and dedication of the Caregiver. With tear filled eyes, she never wavered as she remembered her sister and how she stood beside her sister watching as she battled. As her caregiver she just did whatever was needed and as she looked out upon the sea of people, the reaction given was that of understanding as so many stood before Mary in the very same role. In the not too distant past, many people there were complete strangers. That night they stood together as survivors, as caregivers, as a trusted friend to one another. The luminaria ceremony along with the Chinese lanterns lit the night and guided our path as we honored so many that night. This ceremony brings with it many emotions that words truly cannot describe.
    As we soon draw to a close this our 12th Relay For Life of Grand Island, from all of us on the committee and the teams, we would like to thank each and every one that came out to celebrate with us the lives of those that have been touched in some way by cancer. Each and every year you stand by us in our efforts to rid the world of this storm called cancer. How do we say thank you to the scouts, the businesses, the town, the schools, the children that walk the halls of our schools, the press, the volunteers, the complete strangers and the countless people that are there each and every year for us willing to lend a helping hand? This list goes on and on and each and every one of you are absolutely amazing. All of us together truly represents what Relay is all about and together we help The American Cancer Society with their vision of more birthdays. Maya Angelou once said, "I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." We thank you for inviting us into your lives and for sharing your stories and for sharing your Hope. We look forward to celebrating our next Relay with you in 2015 on Saturday, May 30th once again at the beautiful Veterans Park.
Your Partners In the Fight,
Becky Sommer-Stufkosky/Lynn Dingey, Event Co-Chairs




Father's Day Lawn Mower Race and Car Show - June 2014

Aerial photo courtesy of K & D Action Photo - Click for larger view.

Mary Stewart Slideshow
Kevin & Dawn Cobello (K & D Action Photo) Slideshow

   The 9th annual Lawn Mower Race and Car Show was held on Saturday, June 14th on West River Parkway and was enjoyed by all who attended. Lawn mowers from push type mowers to vintage and later models of riding lawn mowers were included in the race categories. The event also included the 5K Kevin Doring walk/run, activities for the kids including a bounce house and face painting, food stations and live music provided by the USA Band.
   The most exciting class was Super Mod where Jason Bartolotta won the final heat over Rob Schooping driving Tom Long's machine by just four inches. Over 20 lawnmowers participated and a preliminary estimate for funds to be donated to the GI Relay is $5200. Over the last four years, the Lawn Mower Race has donated over $20,000 to the Relay.

Results:
Best Decorated: Jim Mazza
Super Mod: Jason Bartolotta
Pro Stock: Jon Caruana
Two cyl Mod: Eric Antholzner
1 cyl Mod: Pete Marston
Vintage: Skip Bartolotta
Stock: Floyd Doring




Relay Golf Tournament Thanks Sponsors - May 2014

Back: Lynn Dingey, Cindy Bull, Wendy Napier & Art Mallwitz
Front: Nancy Anderson & Mary Mallwitz

   Relay For Life team Mallwitz's Cancer Crew would like to thank River Oaks, the fantastic group of golfers, and our sponsors - Allied Building Materials, Island Ship Center, Mallwitz's Island Lanes, Duby's House and Pet Sitting, Metro Town Center Realty, Madison Carpet One, Brandon Digati, Sevenson Environmental Services, Certo Bros Distributing and Try-It Distributing - for making the Inaugural Relay for Life Golf Tournament sponsored by Mallwitz's Island Lanes so successful!! The weather cooperated and a fun time was had by all!! Please mark your calendar...the 2nd annual event is scheduled for June 8th, 2015.




Relay Rocked Veterans Park - June 2014

See Aaron Bobeck Slide Show


   Facts & figures from Relay for Life 2014: 35 relay teams, 346 participants, approximately 1000 additional attendees, 100+ survivors, and $104,459.39 raised so far.

   
   

Kevin and Dawn Cobello of K & D Action Photo, photos taken from multi-rotor, click for larger view.

See Renee Gugino Slide Show






One Community Crushing Cancer - May 2014

Town workers Bev Benton and Linda Tuffillaro planted the garden in the shape of a guitar to go along with the "Rock Out Cancer" theme.

   By Casey Dahlstrom, Relay Publicity Chair...Schedule of Events
    Grand Island's 12th annual Relay for Life is here, and Island residents are buzzing with excitement. For the last few months, teams have been collecting bottles, selling barbeque chicken, holding bake sales and raffling various baskets all to raise money for cancer research and prevention. As the American Cancer Society's largest fundraiser, Relay for Life has become a global event in more than 20 different countries each year. Locally, Relay is set to open at 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 31st on Grand Island. It will run overnight until 2 a.m., June 1st at Veterans Park. Special parking for all survivors and handicapped participants will be provided at the Memorial Library parking lot and the lot below it near the soccer fields along Bedell Road. No parking is allowed on Bedell Road itself. All other participants should use the entrance for Veterans Park off of Baseline Road and use the surrounding soccer parking lots or surrounding neighborhoods.
    Adopting a Rock-Out Cancer theme for this years' event, organizers have lined up a variety of performances throughout the night. DJ Steve from "Off the Cuff" will host as Master of Ceremonies. Additional performances from the Rochez Academy of Irish Dance, Scarlet Reckoning, Kevin McCarthy, Miss Cathy's Dance, Rock Angel, and various team mascots round out the evening.
    Immediately following the opening ceremony at 6 p.m., the traditional Survivor Lap will commence. This opening lap, in which all of the cancer survivors in attendance walk, is a celebration and victory lap for overcoming cancer. Participants young and old, clap and cheer around the perimeter of the track in ceremony that will give you goose bumps. After this lap, any and all caregivers join in as participants thank the tireless efforts caregivers dedicate.
    After the sun sets, the City of Thorold Bagpipers will lead the Luminaria Ceremony, a candle light vigil in which hundreds of candle-lit bags line the track in memory or honor of cancer patients. Each bag is individually prepared and decorated by family, friends and volunteers. "Everyone knows someone who is battling cancer and Relay for Life has mobilized Grand Islanders in the fight," says Town Supervisor Mary Cooke. "More and more people come out every year to celebrate, remember and fight back. Relay has become a year-round rallying force to help find a cure. The strength of Relay for Life on the Island, now in its 12th year, is a testament to the spirit and generosity of our citizens. I'm looking forward to a sensational Relay on May 31!"
    While dogs are allowed in the park, there will be NO dogs allowed in the Relay area, with the exception of service animals, due to the limited and compromised immune systems of our survivors. There will be limited vehicles assisting with hauling equipment to campsites, but the vehicles will be in constant use so please allow time for assistance. The American Cancer Society reports that one in two men, and one in three women will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime. It is a staggering number that Grand Island residents intend to change. With a community coming together as one with the same mission, to crush cancer, anything is possible.




Father's Day Lawn Mower Race Committee Meet - May 2014

From left: Floyd Doring & Chi Doring, Mary Dunbar Daluisio and Fire Captain Omar Sortino

From left standing: Co-chairs Lynn Dingey & Becky Stufkowsky, John Pullano, Floyd & Chi Doring, Rick Smith, Linda Kutzbach, Tom Harrison, Rick Greenawalt, Chris Taylor, Jim Dinsmore and Tom Snyder.
Sitting: Mary Dunbar Daluisio, Scott Andres and Tom Long. Click photo for larger view

2013 fastest tractor team, sitting: Scott Endres, Tom Long, standing: Rick Greenawalt, Tom Harrison and Tom Snyder

   The Father's Day Lawn Mower Race Committee met with some of the sponsors and Relay co-chairs Becky Stufkosky and Lynn Dingey on Thursday, May 15th for a photo and to present a check for $4500. The committee also presented a check to the Grand Island Fire Company for their help with the event. Gold sponsors are: Auto Collision and Glass, B.A.D., Fuccillo Auto Group, Lipsitz & Ponterio LLC Attorneys at Law, Northtown Volvo Porche, Land Rover Buffalo, NFP, R.B. U'REN Rentals, Remax North Real Estate, Sam Long's Landscaping/Excavating, UNYTS and WheelHouse Marine. Silver Sponsors are: Ace/Gui's Lumber, Certified Auto Brokers, Empire Dismantelment, Eric Berger Insurance Agency, Joe DENTZ, Marston Power Equipment, Rhino Tees and Steel Crazy Art. Bronze sponsors are: K & D Action Photo, McMahon's Family Restaurant, Say Cheese and TwinLo. In kind sponsors are: St Stephens Boy Scout Troop 630 and Chilly Billy Ice Cream.




9th Annual Bowl for a Cure Success - May 2014

By Casey Dahlstrom, Relay Publicity Chair Video... The lanes were hot on Sunday, May 5th at Mallwitz's Lanes on Whitehaven Road as local residents raised money for cancer research, prevention and awareness. The Vikings for a Cure team hosted the 9th annual afternoon of bowling and raised over $3,000 for the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life of Grand Island. Along with an afternoon of pizza, spares and strikes, participants took part in mini games, a 50/50 raffle, and a Chinese Auction.
    Vikings for a Cure captain, Alex Garey, was thrilled with the turn-out for the Bowl-A-Thon, and hopes that the efforts for raising money for cancer research don't stop, but rather that they start here. "I think it makes a huge difference. It brings in money that goes for cancer research, but mostly it gets the word out and sees how many people are affected," said Garey. This will be Garey's fourth year as captain of the Vikings for a Cure, now a junior at Grand Island High School. His mission to help raise money for the American Cancer Society and give back to his community began years ago. "When I was very young, both my grandma and my uncle who were both very close to me, they both died from cancer. When I moved to the island, we learned that they had Relay for Life and we learned what it was. We started getting involved with it, and it's gotten to where it is today."
    Robin McCreary was one of the participants who helped support the fight against cancer, after her father died from cancer 11 years ago. "I think it's not only important to have fun but be aware of what's going on and help others become aware of it," said McCreary. Grand Island is hosting Relay for Life for its 12th year on May 31st at Veterans Park beginning at 2 p.m. Adopting a Rock-Out Cancer theme this year, this year's teams are excited and eager to make a difference in the fight against cancer. "I think Relay for Life in general does a great job in getting people in the community involved and helps rally people behind a common cause," said Garey. "Go out and do your best because everyone can change the world in some way. Even if you are just one person, it's enough to change the world and make a difference."




Volleyball Tournament For Relay For Life - April 2014

   The "Spike Out Cancer Mixed Volleyball Tournament" is scheduled for Saturday, May 31st at 1:00 p.m. at the Relay For Life at Veteran's Park. Mixed teams are wanted, ages 14-18 with four on the court, including one girl at all times. The entry fee $10 per player and prizes are available, all proceeds benefit the Relay. Contact Alex or Diane Garey to register @ 773-5714 or gareys@roadrunner.com.




Booster Night at Dick & Jenny's - May 2014

    The Relay for Life is having a Booster Night at Dick & Jenny's, 1270 Baseline Road, on Wednesday, May 14th. The restaurant will donate 20% of all sales to the Relay For Life. Just mention Booster Night to your server.




Hope Candles and Luminaria Bags for sale to Support Relay for Life - May 2014

Left: HOPE Candle display. Right: Luminaria. - Aaron Bobeck Photos from 2013 Relay
Announcement from Lisa Dudley, Luminaria Chairman

   We are calling on all businesses and the community to help support the American Cancer Society Grand Island Relay for Life Saturday, May 31, 2 pm at Veterans Park by purchasing a Luminaria bag or Hope Candle. Luminarias and Hope Candles are transformed and illuminated after dark the night of Relay during the Luminaria Ceremony while bagpipes play! Each luminaria is personalized with a name, photo, message or drawing in memory or honor of a friend or loved one who has been affected by cancer. Luminaria can also be dedicated in support of a Relay participant. Each luminaria candle represents a person. They are our mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, friends, coworkers, and so many others. We want to sell enough to completely cover the track where participants will be walking! Please help us do this. The cost is $5.00 for a luminaria bag, see form and $100 for a Hope Candle, see form. Any business or person who purchases a Hope Candle will have their name displayed on our Hope Sign. Simply complete the appropriate form attached with either a check made out to the American Cancer Society or cash and mail to Lisa Dudley, 3002 Baseline Road, Grand Island NY 14072. They will also be on sale that day! Hope to see you there!




Golf Tournament For Relay For Life - April 2014

   The Mallwitz's Island Lanes Relay team is hosting a Golf Tournament for Relay for Life on Monday, June 9th at River Oaks Golf Course. Sponsorships are available from Green Sponsor-$50 up to Gold Sponsors-$1000. Registration includes scramble format, carts, lunch & dinner, prizes and awards. What a great way to enjoy the day and help fight cancer. See flyer for registration and details.




Paint the Town Purple - April 2014

    The committee for Relay For Life of Grand Island will be decorating the Town Commons on Saturday, April 26th, to show support for those that have fought and those that are fighting the battle on cancer. Led by student ambassador Jenna Stufkosky, bows will be available for purchase at the First Niagara branch on Grand Island Boulevard from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Bows are $5.00 for the large ones and $1.00 for the smaller version and will be available while supplies last. Be creative and spread the word. When someone asks you why you dressed up your front door purple, be sure to tell them May 1st is May Day for Relay and we will Paint The Town Purple to show our support. Jenna is encouraging all Grand Islanders to follow their lead as well as inspiring others to follow. It's easy and fun. Just hang up some purple decorations, wear your favorite purple tie or plant purple flowers in your front yard. Whether you do it yourself, or with a group of Relay friends, show your support for those who have fought or continue their battle with cancer.




Never Backing Down to Cancer - April 2014

By Casey Dahlstrom, Relay Publicity Chair
    Participants in the 12th annual Grand Island Relay for Life were asked at the February kickoff to light a fire within. And the wildfire has already begun to spread. But for Becky Sommer-Stufkosky, that fire has already been burning for over 20 years. It is hard to imagine the battle that cancer patients endure with chemotherapy, radiation and surgery. Becky Sommer-Stufkosky's role as Co-Chair of Relay for Life of Grand Island, the fundraiser of the American Cancer Society, is one that has come after over 20 years of fighting and battling with the cruel life of cancer. Though she has never been diagnosed herself, she continues to inspire others to fight back against the disease that has taken so much from her.
    Stufkosky's unfortunate war with cancer extends over multiple branches and generations of her family, as many of her relatives have been diagnosed with cancer. In 1990, Stufkosky's uncle was diagnosed with colon cancer. And to make things worse, Stufkosky's one year-old daughter, Alicia, was diagnosed at Women's and Children's Hospital of Buffalo with neuroblastoma in January 1991. "The only thing we could do was be there for her. You can cuddle them, you can play with them, [but] we couldn't make her better, and that rips your heart out as a parent. You don't think it is ever going to hit home, to hit you or someone you know," said Stufkosky. But the battles have been fought at home as the battles have hit her uncle, mother-in-law, sister-in-law, daughter, uncle, husband and countless friends. "It's so unfair what these cancer survivors have to go through. To live another day, you just watch and you wonder, why does it have to be so hard? Why did this happen to them? It's just not fair."
    Alicia successfully beat her cancer as one year later she was declared cancer free. However, her trips to and from the hospital to this day are still on going. As Alicia entered high school, Relay for Life on Grand Island was gaining momentum and was quickly becoming a new home for Becky, as her role as a caregiver continued. The 2014 Relay will be Stufkosky's third year as Co-Chair for Grand Island's annual Relay for Life. On May 31st, 2014 the event will return to Veteran's Park running from 2 p.m. to 2 a.m., June 1st, after successfully relocating from the high school track. The 2013 Relay at Veteran's Park raised $150,677 with 41 teams and played host to 110 survivors at the event. "Becky puts her heart and soul into Relay selflessly," says Co-Chair Lynn Dingey. "Her life has been touched by cancer in so many ways and she continues to be a rock to so many people. If she can't help, she'll go out of her way to put people in touch with others than can help. She is dedicated to finishing the fight and I'm honored to be her co-chair!"
   This year's Honorary Survivor Casey Dahlstrom praises Stufkosky as a courageous individual who fights back every day, and manages to still wear a smile every day. "It's amazing to me to know how much turmoil and suffering that Becky has been through, and yet is determined to be a difference, she still manages to find the time to help others," said Dahlstrom. "She cares so deeply about the people she is able to help every day, and that means the world to so many." "If you watch one person go through treatments, surgery and chemo, and radiation, it changes you," Stufkosky said. "Whatever it is that is our calling, mine is Relay. It's not about a pat on the back, not for even one of us. It's just about making it a day where it's okay. It's an amazing feeling."




Chicken BBQ & Basket Raffle - April 2014

   Team Mallwitz Cancer Crew is having a Chicken BBQ by BW's, Basket Raffle & Music at the GI Rod & Gun Club on Saturday, May 10th from 2:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.There will be 50/50 raffles and a bake sale. Tickets are $9 pre-sale by calling Nancy at 907-9037 or Mallwitz's at 773-0062, or $10 at the door. See flyer for details.




9th annual Bowl For A Cure - April 2014

    You're Invited to the Grand Island Relay for Life's 9th Annual Bowl for a Cure Bowl-a-thon, Silent Auction & Basket Raffle on Sunday, May 4th at 2:00 p.m. at Mallwitz's Island Lanes. It includes 2 games cosmic bowling (bumpers available), shoe rental, pizza and pop. Pre-sale tickets $10 students/$15 adults. $20 at door, Call Diane Garey 773-5714. Raise donations from sponsors, turn in donations at the Bowl-a-thon and get FREE basket raffle tickets to win great prizes. All proceeds benefit RELAY FOR LIFE. See flyer and sponsor sheet.

Fun Night at Adrian's Custard & Beef -April 2014

    The Huth Road School Relay for Life team is having a Fun Night at Adrian's Custard & Beef, 2335 Grand Island Blvd. on Wednesday, April 30th from 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. The restaurant will donate 10% of all sales to the Relay team and the Huth Road playground.




Basket Raffle & Wide Right Band - March 2014

    A Basket Raffle and the "Wide Right Band" are going to "Rock Out Cancer" on Saturday, March 29th at Mallwitz's Island Lanes, 1887 Whitehaven Rd. The basket raffle will take place from 6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. and music by "Wide Right" will be from 8:00 p.m. - midnight.




Relay for Life Bowl-A-Thon - March 2014

    Mallwitz Cancer Crew is sponsoring a Bowl-A-Thon on Sunday, April 6th at 3:00 p.m. at Mallwitz's Island Lanes, 1887 Whitehaven Rd. This is a kids only event. The $7 Registration fee includes 2 games of cosmic bowling, shoe rental, pizza & soda and prizes for most pledges collected. See flyer for details and registration form.




Relay For Life Kick-Off Summary - March 2014


Honorary Survivor Casey Dahlstrom
    Relay for Life 2014 has begun after an inspirational kick-off at Veronica Connor Middle School on Wednesday, February 26th. The kick-off begins the season for the annual fundraiser of the American Cancer Society. The 2014 Relay event is set to return to Veterans Park this year, running 2 p.m. May 31st to June 1st at 2 a.m. Adopting a "Rock-Out Cancer" theme this year, co-chair Lynn Dingey hopes that this year's Relay will be even "bigger and better."
   Jen McCardle was announced as Grand Island Relay for Life's new staff partner from the American Cancer Society, and she praised the efforts that have already been put in to this year's event. "I can already tell that this is going to be our best and brightest year yet," McCardle said. "Relay for Life just enables all of us to come together to honor those that we have lost, celebrate those who have survived, thank those who have devoted themselves as caregivers and raise money to find a cure and improve the quality of life of those who are currently battling the disease. And because of you guys, we are making a difference and saving lives, and that is awesome."
    Many prizes and awards were handed out throughout the evening honoring the efforts of participants and their teams for their fund raising efforts last year. Previous Honorary Survivor Alicia Sommer, who is a childhood cancer survivor, had the privilege of introducing this year's Honorary Survivor Casey Dahlstrom. Sommer said she had first met Dahlstrom in grade school when he collected pop can tabs for Camp Good Days and Special Times, a camp for children with cancer. "There aren't many kids out there that would spend their spare time raising money for a cause rather than playing with their toys," said Sommer, referring to Dahlstrom as a "go-getter."
   Dahlstrom told his story of overcoming cancer that was diagnosed when he was just three years old. "Cancer has been my life. There's no denying it. It is what it is. And it leaves me with two options. I can pretend it never happened, and try to close the door to a terrifying ordeal. But that is exactly why we fear the monster under our beds. When we ignore the past, it grows out of control. On the other hand, I can embrace the past for what it is. So ask yourself, what will I do? Will I hide in the shadows afraid of failure? Or will I live each day with anticipation for new experiences, new people, and a chance to leave the mark on the world I choose to leave?"
    This will be Grand Island's 12th year hosting Relay for Life and in that time, over 1 million dollars has been raised by the participants. After hosting Relay successfully at its new location at Veterans Park, hopes and expectations are high that this year's Relay will be the best one yet. If you would like to donate to a team or participant, or to register for Relay for life, please visit www.relayforlife.org/grandislandny.




Relay For Life 2014 Update - February 2014

Honorary Survivor - Casey Dahlstrom
   With spring right around the corner, Grand Island is gearing up for their 12th annual Relay for Life campaign. As the American's Cancer Society's largest fundraising campaign, Relay for Life raises money for cancer research, prevention and awareness. Adopting a Rock-Out Cancer theme this year, organizers of this high-energy community event are gearing up for what they hope to be a superb year.
   On May 31st, Relay for Life of Grand Island will again be held at Veterans Park with a new starting time of 2:00 p.m., running until 2:00 a.m., June 1st. Participants will spend the evening and overnight walking a designated loop to wipe out cancer, a disease that never sleeps. Teams will take turns having a team mate walking the track, so one member is walking on the track throughout the day and night. There are games, competitions, music, food and a festive atmosphere to celebrate the battle survivors have overcome to defeat cancer. It is also a time for remembrance for those who lost their battle.
   This year's Honorary Survivor is excited and eager to make a difference. At three years-old, island native Casey Dahlstrom began his battle with Leukemia. He fought for years and won his battle. Rather than run from his experience, he embraces his battle. Now 25 years-old, Dahlstrom wants to inspire the people around him with his story and rid the world of cancer. "I've never asked for sympathy. What I'm seeking is an understanding of what i's like to battle through cancer," says Dahlstrom. "It's a battle that will take years to get back to normal. And cancer doesn't just affect you, the patient. It affects your family, your friends, your co-workers, and your whole community."
   Since Relay for Life began on Grand Island 12 years ago, the support from the community has grown tremendously. More and more teams raise more and more money, and businesses contribute what they can to ensure that Grand Island won't let cancer win.
   Individuals and teams have already begun planning their fundraisers, but it is NOT too late to join in the effort. We need your help today. You can sign up today at www.relayforlife.org/grandislandny to register for the walk, make a donation, or find out more information. Everyone from all walks of life that are determined to rid this world of a terrifying disease are encourage to support this giant drive so that nobody ever has to hear the terrifying words "you have cancer." Together, we can Rock-Out Cancer once and for all!




Rescheduled Relay Kick-Off "Rock-Out-Cancer" - February 2014

    See flyer or write up below.





Grand Island's Ready to "Rock-Out-Cancer" - February 2014

   Rescheduled Kick-Off...Wednesday, February 26th.
The weather has been bitter cold this winter, but the Grand Island Relay for Life is just getting warmed up. The kick-off event for this year's "Rock-Out Cancer" Relay for Life, a fund-drive to benefit the American Cancer Society, will take place at Veronica Connor Middle School's cafeteria, 1100 Ransom Road on Wednesday, February 26th at 7:00 p.m.
    Be ready to rock, as there will be lots of prizes, music and food to wrap up 2013's Relay, and kickoff the 2014 Relay for Life. If you have a favorite concert shirt or want to come dressed as your favorite artist, there will be prizes. This year's Honorary Survivor will be announced, along with the introduction of Grand Island's new staff partner with the American Cancer Society, Jen McArdle. Bill Gugino will be hosting as the master of ceremonies.
   Grand Island's Relay for Life has long been successful in raising money for cancer research, prevention and awareness. It was announced at last year's kick-off that GI's Relay was ranked in the top 20 in New York/New Jersey. In the last 11 years, Grand Island has raised over 1 million dollars! On May 31st, at 2:00 p.m., Grand Island will again be hosting Relay at Veterans Park. The "Rock-Out Cancer" theme is intended to inspire participants and generate a festive atmosphere. It's here that communities come together to celebrate survivors of cancer, remember those who lost their battle, and fight back against a disease that has taken too much. To sign up for the event, donate to a participant, or learn more information, visit www.relayforlife.org/grandislandny.





Ms. Remson Memorial Concert Luminarias Available - January 2014

    Grand Island's Relay For Life will be selling luminarias to be displayed at the Ms. Remson Memorial Concert on February 13th at the Grand Island Senior High School. All luminarias will be lit with a battery operated candle and will be placed throughout the concert area in memory of an amazing teacher and friend. The cost of each luminaria is $5.00 and can be purchased by calling Becky Sommer-Stufkosky at 774-8978 or by email at stufkosky@verizon.net. A luminaria table will also be set up at the event that evening for additional purchases. Ms. Remson was not only an incredible person but truly made an impact on so many of Grand Island's students. Please help us to honor her memory as she was taken from us much to soon.





Grand Island's Ready to "Rock-Out-Cancer" - February 2014

    The weather has been bitter cold this winter, but the Grand Island Relay for Life is just getting warmed up. The kick-off event for this year's "Rock-Out Cancer" Relay for Life, a fund-drive to benefit the American Cancer Society, will take place at Veronica Connor Middle School's cafeteria, 1100 Ransom Road on Wednesday, February 26th at 7:00 p.m.
    Be ready to rock, as there will be lots of prizes, music and food to wrap up 2013's Relay, and kickoff the 2014 Relay for Life. If you have a favorite concert shirt or want to come dressed as your favorite artist, there will be prizes. This year's Honorary Survivor will be announced, along with the introduction of Grand Island's new staff partner with the American Cancer Society, Jen McArdle. Bill Gugino will be hosting as the master of ceremonies.
   Grand Island's Relay for Life has long been successful in raising money for cancer research, prevention and awareness. It was announced at last year's kick-off that GI's Relay was ranked in the top 20 in New York/New Jersey. In the last 11 years, Grand Island has raised over 1 million dollars! On May 31st, at 2:00 p.m., Grand Island will again be hosting Relay at Veterans Park. The "Rock-Out Cancer" theme is intended to inspire participants and generate a festive atmosphere. It's here that communities come together to celebrate survivors of cancer, remember those who lost their battle, and fight back against a disease that has taken too much. To sign up for the event, donate to a participant, or learn more information, visit www.relayforlife.org/grandislandny.