Even in hard times, support for Relay for Life

NORTH CANAAN — In difficult economic times, as everyone from the affluent to the poor feels the squeeze, nonprofits almost universally find that donations decrease.

But no matter what the economy is doing, people still suffer from the ravages of disease.

Tri-state region Relay for Life teams are pushing harder this year to raise funds for the American Cancer Society and for the June 5 and 6 Relay event in Falls Village. They are using their creativity to come up with fun fundraisers, and using their persuasive powers to urge donors simply to write a check if possible.

In North Canaan, Dr. Robert Bird said he and the staff at his dental office continue to contribute to every cause they can — in particular, local organizations such as Little League and the Canaan Fire Company.

“Our donation to Relay for Life was a bit more substantial,†Bird said. “I lost my father to cancer when I was in high school. My son had Hodgkin’s disease when he was a senior in high school. He had a stem cell transplant. He’s 26 now, and doing OK, but it was a scary time.â€

As it comes down to the wire for the main event, the overnight relay where team members walk through the night on the track at Housatonic Valley Regional High School, there are still opportunities to support the cause.

On Tuesday, May 25, at 9:05 a.m. on WSBS 860 AM/94.1 FM, and online at wsbs.com, “Well Talk†host Avi Dresner will welcome Stacey Oates to the program. She will share her own story and talk about her efforts to raise money for and interest in the Relay For Life.

Pledges can also be made online at relayforlife.org/HousatonicValleyCT.

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