Relay for Life: Community of survivors

FALLS VILLAGE —Several hundred team members arrived throughout the day and evening last weekend, June 4 and 5, as people from around the region came to the fourth annual Housatonic Valley Relay for Life. The focus of Relay for Life is to raise money for cancer research by the American Cancer Society. But the 18-hour shared experience of the relay has become a source of strength for those who are fighting and have survived the disease, for their caregivers and for everyone who has lost a loved one.The hundreds of men, women and children who took part in the relay joind teams and raised funds. They set up tents around the track at Housatonic Valley Regional High School. Some of their tents were decorated with flowers and furniture. People cookd out. Everyone tried to make themselves comfortable; they knew they would be camping out, rain or shine, from Saturday night through Sunday.The relay began with a survivors’ lap around the track. Some moved slowly, but were determined to complete the quarter mile. Caregivers joined them on the second lap. Perhaps one of the most poignant moments in a very poignant weekend was the sight of the caregivers in white T-shirts who walked alone.On the football field inside the track, the crowd lined up to cheer them all on. Children burned off energy in a bounce house. Upbeat music kept walkers and runners moving. Teams put the fnishing touches on their festive encampments, where they could rest as other members of their team walked.It wasn’t the best turnout the Housatonic Relay has posted in its four years. Organizers chalked it up to the economic times. But its spirit has not flagged. Because of the incredible pace at which it has grown, the Housatonic relay was chosen to participate in a long-term cancer research survey. Shortly after a large white tent was opened to register survey participants, it was crowded with those willing to fill out forms, give blood samples and receive surveys to complete over the next 20 years.For updates on the local Relay for Life, go to relayforlife.org/housatonicvalleyct.

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