cancer

“If It’s Not One Thing…”

April 18, 2019 by Beth Besen

(L-R): Don Rosenstein, MD and Justin Yopp, PhD Authors of The Group
PHOTO COURTESY of UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center

How Programming at Gilda’s Club Helps Those Affected By Cancer

Gilda Radner, and her much-beloved Saturday Night Live comedic characters such as Roseanne Roseannadanna, kept audiences in stitches from the mid-1970s through the actress’s untimely death from ovarian cancer in 1989. Laughter is a gift, and Radner gave most generously. It is in that spirit of giving, and to honor her personal wish that information about her illness be shared to help others fighting cancer, that her husband, Gene Wilder, helped establish Gilda’s Club.

Gilda’s Club is a national network of 22 “clubhouses” dedicated to helping all people living with cancer– patients, their families and friends–free of any financial charges, ongoing obligations or commitments. Local affiliate, Gilda’s Club Westchester*, has welcomed and supported individuals and families in its warmly inviting White Plains clubhouse since opening its signature red doors in 2001.

Help for Bereaving Parents

While Gilda’s Club has a full calendar of regular and ongoing classes, support groups and events, there are often special events as well. And, it’s worth noting, many of these are open to the public without any need of Club Membership. In fact, this coming Monday, April 22nd, from 6 – 7:30 p.m., Gilda’s Club Westchester in partnership with the Bereavement Center of Westchester is hosting a Special Bereavement Parenting Workshop. The workshop will be led by clinical psychologist Dr. Justin Yopp, PhD and psychiatrist Dr. Donald Rosenstein, MD, authors of The Group: Seven Widowed Fathers Reimagine Life and co-founders of The Widowed Parent Project.

The Widowed Parent Project began in 2010 with a support group for fathers who had lost their spouses to cancer. From that small original group of widowed men to research that involved more than 400 fathers, to its current commitment to supporting widowed mothers and fathers, the Project is part of the Comprehensive Cancer Support Program at the North Carolina Cancer Hospital and Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

The highly anticipated evening event is for “parents who have lost a partner to cancer and struggle with experiencing loss as they continue their role as a sole parent.” Yopp and Rosenstein will share their experiences in supporting both widowed fathers and mothers, and provide additional methods for coping with loss of any kind. Children of attendees are invited to come along, and to participate in a concurrent social program facilitated by a professional from Gilda’s Club Westchester’s Children Teens and Families group. Copies of Yopp and Rosenstein’s book will be available for purchase (with all proceeds going to the Widowed Parent Project) and light refreshments will be served.

New Off-Site Cancer Support Group in Northern Westchester

As busy and wonderful as the White Plains clubhouse and its many free programs are and continue to be, Gilda’s Club Westchester’s Director of Clinical Partnerships, Christine Speck, points out that the club’s proximity to people in need can be a deciding factor in determining membership and usage. “Time management is a big part of cancer treatment”, says Speck. Patients have various doctor visits, treatment visits, and also recovery times when they’re just too tired to go anywhere. There’s a lot to consider. Therefore, Speck and her colleague, Programming Manager Debbie Vincent, LMSW, are very excited to announce a new off-site initiative, the Living with Cancer Support Group, especially intended for people in northern Westchester.

Held at the newly renovated Bedford Playhouse, the Group will meet every second and fourth Wednesday from 10–11:30 a.m. beginning in April. It’s worth noting that the Bedford Playhouse is more than a comfortable, convenient locale; it was here that a preview of the thoughtful and moving Gilda Radner documentary, Love, Gilda was screened to great acclaim. The Group “will encourage discussion of personal experiences as well as provide ongoing exploration of emotional and social concerns, while dispensing wisdom and practical advice.” It is open to anyone in active treatment, including those who are not Gilda’s Club Members. Those interested need only sign up ahead of time.

*For further information, please visit Gilda’s Club Westchester website: www.gildasclubwestchester.org

Spinning for the Win – Against Rare Cancers

March 8, 2019 by Beth Besen

Chances are, you know someone affected by cancer. Maybe a parent, a sibling, child, cousin, best friend. Maybe you, yourself. If so, you deeply understand that it’s a battle against a cunning and deadly foe. That said, through a combination of early detection and new and better treatment options, these days it’s a battle people are winning.

But new and better treatment options don’t just happen; they’re based on years of research and development, followed by clinical trials with carefully selected patients. And, yes, all this science comes at a price. While government spending and grants provide some of the necessary funding*, a huge piece of the funding pie comes from individual donations and fundraising. What’s more, government dollars aren’t allocated equally and rare cancers**, in particular, rely heavily on private fund-raising and donations.

Enter Pleasantville resident Justine Fontinell. Together with her husband Tom Becker and their ten-year-old son Hank, she moved to Pleasantville nearly nine years ago and, though a born-and-bred Manhattan girl, Justine shares that she could not be happier.

Among the reasons? “Pleasantville is an amazingly generous town filled with people who go out of their way to help each other.”

Justine first became aware of Cycle for Survival about six years ago. Both her parents are rare cancer survivors, and Cycle for Survival’s founders’ story, mission, and collaboration with top-tier cancer research center Memorial Sloane Kettering (MSK) – along with their commitment to use every dollar for research and allocate every one of those dollars within six months of every event – spoke to Justine’s desire to support others in their respective fights. Coincidentally, Justine discovered that co-founder Jennifer Goodman Linn suffered from the same rare sarcoma as her father. Feeling compelled to join and contribute to this worthy cause, Justine quickly put together her first Sit and Spin team and, in 2013, raised over $8k. Since that first year, Sit and Spin has grown in membership and, importantly, grown exponentially in funds raised. To date, they have raised over $260k, and this year’s goal of at least $40k would bring the grand total to over $300k! As a former non-profit Director of Development, Justine knows that asking for money isn’t something that comes naturally to most people. She further acknowledges that a ‘personal ask’ feels and is different from a ‘corporate ask.’ That said, she points out that the common principle is a simple one: “people won’t give if you don’t ask.” And, in keeping with this philosophy, she asks every team member to remember that they are “giving people an opportunity to invest in lifesaving research, a donation that will have a direct impact on cancer treatments.” Sit and Spin’s success has been recognized for the last three years with a 10K grant from the Crimson Lion Lavine Family Foundation, as a bonus for achievement in recruiting new donors and increased gifts.

However cliché it may sound, giving to others truly does empower the giver. Justine describes every four-hour fundraising spin relay event as nothing short of extraordinary. A simple look at her accompanying photos leaves no doubt that there is fun and laughter, but, as she also shared, then too there are tears. It’s an emotional as well as physical experience; every gym is tightly packed with bikes and riders, riders write and proudly “wear” on their bodies the names of those they’re honoring, speakers share their personal stories between each leg of the ride, and the collective energy of working together for a cause is an overwhelmingly positive experience.

However cliché it may sound, giving to others truly does empower the giver. Justine describes every four-hour fundraising spin relay event as nothing short of extraordinary. “It’s an overwhelmingly positive experience.”

Justine counts old friends (from as far back as High School) as well as many Pleasantville mom friends as regular participants of her annual teams. Karen McCarthy has lived in Pleasantville and known Justine since their two boys were in preschool together. This will be her fourth year with Cycle for Survival. “I ran into Justine and another team member on my Metro North train ride from NYC to P’ville; they were coming back from a pre-event and I had just seen my doctor at MSK for my six month visit. I always donated to the team, but thought my way of giving back would be to join them. In 2015, I had part of my thyroid removed at MSK due to Thyroid Cancer. Thyroid Cancer is a rare cancer without a lot of funding, but, when discovered early, has a very high cure rate. I now get checked once a year to make sure there is no recurrence.”

Adds P’ville teammate and survivor Vanessa Catalano, “I joined Justine’s team three years ago as a way to celebrate the end of my fight with Stage III Triple Negative Breast Cancer. Throughout my operations and treatments I continued to go to my step and spin classes at the gym. It was my part in keeping myself as healthy and strong as possible. When I heard about Cycle for Survival I knew it would be a great match for me.” Thrilled to have celebrated two years in remission this past December, Vanessa, noting that she and her family received tremendous love and support throughout her battle, adds, “part of my survival is remembering that and paying it forward through this event.” To date, Vanessa’s brother is the only male to have joined team Sit and Spin. However, Justine welcomes all who are willing to work hard to join her!

For further Cycle for Survival information, please visit: cycleforsurvival.org

*Current Fiscal Year (FY 2019) Budget: The FY 2019 Department of Defense and Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Act included $5.74 billion for NCI, a $79 million increase over FY 2018. Source NIH/NCI website
**Described by Cycle for Survival as: brain, pancreatic, ovarian, thyroid, and stomach cancers; leukemia and lymphoma; all pediatric cancers; and many others.

#TaubStrong Movement Keeps Casey Taub’s Memory Alive & Raises Funds for Pediatric Brain Cancer

December 2, 2018 by Deborah Raider Notis

Casey Taub was one of a kind. He was a funny, often opinionated, old soul with a love of Marvel movies and sports. He was the kid who could engage adults as easily as he could rally his friends. But in January 2016, Casey needed his friends and loved ones to rally around him. Diagnosed with a brain tumor, he put up the fight of his life until he passed away in July 2017.

Throughout Casey’s 17-month battle with brain cancer, the Matthew Larson Foundation for Pediatric Brain Tumors was a consistent, reliable source of support for the Taub family. Founded in 2007 in memory of seven-year-old Matthew Larson, the Foundation has funded almost $3 million in grants for pediatric brain tumor research and has helped families cope with the emotional and financial struggles of caring for a child with brain cancer.

After Casey’s death, his father, who dedicated himself to finding a positive way to cope with this devastating tragedy, joined the board of the Matthew Larson Foundation. “I wanted to help the foundation that helped us,” states Taub. “Everything I’m doing is to try to eradicate pediatric brain cancer, and I want Casey’s name to be associated with eliminating the disease that did him in.”

To that end, Taub established the #taubstrong Movement as a component of the Matthew Larson Foundation.

#TaubStrong was a slogan created by Casey’s closest sleep away camp friends at Chipinaw, who designed and sold t-shirts to support Casey while he was sick. When Casey came up to visit camp, everyone was wearing the t-shirt. “It was extremely meaningful to him,” says his father.

Taub credits the Chappaqua and Greeley community, “especially Casey’s closest friends, who have been unbelievable,” with helping to keep Casey’s memory alive. “The fact that Casey will always be part of this community is extremely important to me,” stresses Taub.

Casey was an avid soccer fan and player; he was a valued member of the Greeley soccer team. On August 22nd, Greeley Boys’ Varsity Soccer hosted its first annual Casey Taub Memorial 22:22 Soccer Jamboree benefiting the #taubstrong Movement for the Matthew Larson Foundation for Pediatric Brain Tumors.

The event, organized by Casey’s friends and teammates on Greeley Boys’ Varsity Soccer, as well as Camp Shropshire, Casey’s beloved soccer coach, began with a dedication ceremony. His father, Jonathan Taub spoke, and Casey’s number 22 jersey was retired. The Byram Hills Boys’ Varsity Soccer Team retired Casey’s number for what would have been his final high school soccer season. Soccer boosters sold CT22 merchandise and food, all of the participating teams made donations, and the event raised over $2300 to the #taubstrong Movement at the Matthew Larson Foundation. Taub hopes that this event will grow and become an annual kickoff to the soccer season in Casey’s memory.

Casey’s classmates in the 2019 Greeley Senior Class also donated proceeds from the Senior Carwash to the #taubstrong Movement. Greeley juniors, Emma Rosh and Charlotte Templeton, contacted Taub to start a club in Casey’s name. With Casey’s treasured Spanish teacher, Senor Warren, as the faculty advisor, they launched the CT22 Club. This year, the CT22 Club raised over $2000 from CT22 merchandise at Chappaqua’s Community Day.

Looking ahead, Taub hopes to extend the #TaubStrong movement beyond Chappaqua. “It would be great to get CT22 clubs in all Westchester high schools,” notes Taub, who plans to develop a full line of #taubstrong CT22 merchandise. Most importantly, Taub, who recently spoke at the Matthew Larson Foundation’s annual fundraising dinner, said that he is looking forward to the day that fundraising dinners are replaced by “celebratory dinners because there is no longer any cancers killing kids.” One day, he hopes, “Casey’s name will be associated with a cure for this horrible disease.”

For more information about the Matthew Larson Foundation, please visit www.ironmatt.org. To donate to this foundation in memory of Casey, please use #TaubStrong when you make your donation.

One Woman’s Silver Linings Cancer Playbook

October 24, 2018 by Beth Besen

PHOTO BY CAROLYN SIMPSON/DOUBLEVISON PHOTOGRAPHY

The Blessings of Early Detection and Excellent Treatment

Self-described “gym rat” Eileen Cohen looks the very picture of health as we sit down to a morning coffee at Tazza of Millwood. Watching her enter the café, fit and trim with a bounce to her step, one would never know we were meeting to discuss her recent health sCare.

No, that is not a typo; call it this writer’s literary device, my way of introducing two highly intertwined topics–the “big C, Cancer, and the importance of Care. From healthcare providers to friends and family, Care is a patient’s most valuable resource.

Eileen’s health scare came during her annual routine mammogram. She’d scheduled the exam, expecting the usual “everything looks good, see you next year” results. Instead, this time, Eileen recalls hearing the technician offer a quiet “hmmmmm,” and telling her she needed to stay and speak with the radiologist. She was informed that her mammogram showed new calcifications, and she was given the option of observation versus biopsy. However, a biopsy was recommended to rule out malignancy. She chose the biopsy, saying, for her, there was no question. But, then she paused to reflect, “Maybe people get scared. I don’t know the mindset of others… but I can’t imagine not wanting to know.”

Wife and mother (to three busy teenagers), this Chappaqua mom had just celebrated turning 50 years young when the subsequent biopsy forever changed her life. The pathology was classic-type Lobular Carcinoma in Situ (LCIS); while LCIS is not a cancer, it is a proliferative process that connotes an increase in lifetime breast cancer risk in either breast. Given the increased risk of breast cancer, Dr. Ranjana Chaterji, a Northwell Health Breast Surgeon and Director of Quality at The Breast Institute at Northern Westchester Hospital (NWH) did an MRI with contrast which showed another spot. This was near the original area of concern and, when biopsied, was shown to be more classic-type LCIS. Surgical excision was recommended to rule out an associated invasive breast cancer component. There is only a five percent chance of upgrade to invasive breast cancer at the time of surgical excision, but Eileen fell into that five percent category; her pathology report confirmed Invasive Lobular Carcinoma, which would require definitive cancer surgery and treatment.

NWH Meditation room. PHOTO COURTESY OF NWH

However, prior to surgery, patients undergo preoperative medical clearance, including, for some like Eileen, cardiac clearance. Eileen’s pre-surgery cardiology visit resulted in the finding of yet another medical issue–PVC, or Premature Ventricular Contractions. This condition can be treated with medication or surgery; Eileen needed surgical correction.

Given these diagnoses, there are, doubtless, many who would feel angry, depressed or a combination of both. Eileen, however, feels lucky and thankful–lucky that her original diagnosis led to the more invasive cancer diagnosis, and thankful that her cardiology tests caught her weakening heart condition in time to successfully rebound!

Thankfulness is, in fact, a recurring theme in our conversation. Eileen describes her close-knit family as supportive, explaining that though she “didn’t want to include them in everything going on; that would actually make it harder (on her),” her children and husband really rallied to step up and step in to fill in where needed. For example, both her girls were serious dancers with companies in NYC, and it had been Eileen’s pleasure to drive them to the city for their classes. During treatment, however, they learned to navigate the trains and travel to classes themselves, gaining an independence Eileen sees as a silver lining. And, while recent college tours for Eileen’s son had been a great opportunity for family road trips, post-diagnosis visits became more of a father/son activity. She is very grateful that her husband could take off days from work as necessary during her surgeries and radiation treatments.

Support wasn’t limited to immediate family. Friends gathered around, some making the time to call and check in every day. And, in a strange turn of events, Eileen also found out that a younger cousin was going through a similar experience. In fact, the women actually began radiation on the very same day. Eileen describes daily texts with her cousin–texts of encouragement and information-sharing (e.g., which clothes are most comfortable)–and also underscores the sense of relief that their mutual experience and support affords; there is nothing quite like going through something with someone you know who is experiencing the very same situation.

And then there’s the equally invaluable support of dedicated professionals. Eileen credits not only her team of expert physicians at Northern Westchester Hospital – Dr. Chaterji was joined by Dr. Alfred Tinger, the Former Chief of Radiation Oncology specializing in breast cancer treatment –but also the adjunct services available there. She took full advantage of the free programs available to cancer patients at NWH’s Bruce and Andrea Yablon Cancer Health and Wellness Program. The program is available to all cancer patients in the community regardless of whether or not their oncologist is located at the hospital. As long as one of their physicians has admitting privileges to the hospital, they can participate in the program.

These services include: Integrative Medicine, such as acupuncture, aromatherapy, energy healing/Reiki, guided imagery, oncology medical massage and reflexology; Nutritional Support with a Registered Dietician which helps patients eat well during and after treatment; Fitness Programming specially tailored to patients’ needs; Mindful Wellness with licensed psychiatrists, psychologists, pastors and social workers and the Survivorship Program to ease patients back into life after cancer. What’s more, there are additional workshops, special programs and resources available to cancer patients, survivors and caregivers too.

Everyone’s needs differ, and those different needs become even more pronounced during cancer treatment. Personally, Eileen especially liked visiting the acupuncturist and her nutritionist, Pat Talio. She found acupuncture helped “give (her) balance during an unbalanced time” and that the nutritionist could help her refine her diet so as to avoid questionable ingredients and additives.

NWH’s Licensed Acupuncturist Vanessa McKay-Barr says, “Eileen is one of those patients that does the homework you give them. Whether it’s treatment frequency, exercises, or dietary suggestions, she did the work and it paid off. Her persistence and desire to have the best results for her mind, body, and soul was inspiring to see. She focused on the positives of treatment and didn’t let any symptoms overcome her thoughts. I particularly enjoyed talking to her about her family and watching her face brighten as she would speak of her children. She was a pleasure to work with and I wish her the best in her journey of Cancer Survivorship.”

Rounding out support are the nurses and technicians, each and every one, the very definition of “caregiver.” Patients are treated with empathy and respect, welcomed with smiles and given endless understanding.

The facility itself is bright, cheerful and comfortable with waiting-room activities (Eileen particularly liked the puzzles) to help patients relax prior to treatment. There is even valet parking for those who need that level of assistance. Fighting cancer can be physically, spiritually, emotionally and psychologically debilitating, but getting treatment at NWH and making use of its additional services gives a patient the very best in team support to help win that fight. For further information on the Bruce and Andrea Yablon Cancer Health and Wellness program, call 914-242-8146 or visit www.nwhcancercenter.org.

Exercising Good Health

Eileen Cohen at Pink Aid with Dr. Bonnie Litvack, Director of the Women’s Imaging Center at NWH
PHOTOS COURTESY OF EILEEN COHEN

In the past, cancer patients were often told to “take it easy,” to save their strength and reduce exercise activity. But, like treatment itself, this advice has changed dramatically over the years. Nowadays, if a patient feels up to it, most doctors support maintaining an exercise routine. In fact, the American Cancer Society notes, “newer research has shown that exercise is not only safe and possible during cancer treatment, but it can improve how well you function physically and your quality of life.”

No one would agree more with this than Eileen who shared, “The fact that I was able to work out through my treatments made me feel like myself.” She further noted that it was during one of her regular Saw Mill exercise classes that she connected with one of her instructors on a whole new level. Eileen had shown up for a 7:30 a.m. class (prior to her scheduled surgery no less!) and happened to fall into a fundraiser for Pink Aid. Coincidence? Perhaps, but maybe something of a higher power brought Eileen to that class on that day. She believes in a higher power, and that the path to spiritual fulfillment is personal; even the gym can be a powerful place of inspiration and well-being.

Through her class instructor, Denise Walker, also a breast cancer survivor, Eileen has become an advocate, helping to raise both awareness (of the need for early detection) and funds (for those who need financial help for treatment). She says, “I was private while I was going through treatment, but I feel like if I can help others recognize that they need to take care of themselves and be proactive, I will.” On October 3rd, Eileen “walked” in the 8th annual Pink Aid Fashion Show sponsored by Mitchells of Westport, CT. Critical funds were raised for the organization whose “mission is to help underserved local women…and to empower breast cancer survivors to heal by helping and inspiring others.” Indeed, according to Eileen, laughter, tears and wisdom were shared amongst speakers and attendees. There was a communal spirit of support and gratitude; each woman felt grateful to be connected to the others there, grateful for their access to excellent healthcare and, ultimately, grateful for their lives.

The Point Is: NWH’s Vanessa Mckay-Barr, L.Ac Explains How Acupuncture Can Help Cancer Patients

Acupuncturist Vanessa McKay-Barr and Eileen Cohen PHOTO BY CAROLYN SIMPSON/DOUBLEVISON PHOTOGRAPHY

When a patient gets a cancer diagnosis and is quickly thrust into treatment, there is tremendous emotional impact. In fact, stress and anxiety are the most prevalent issues for these acupuncture patients. Acupuncture helps a person’s body go from fight or flight mode to rest and relax mode. By reducing stress and calming the mind, acupuncture leaves patients with a greater sense of well-being. For this reason, McKay-Barr often refers to acupuncture as “inner-cise” (exercise for your energy).

Acupuncture also helps alleviate many of the side effects from cancer treatment such as nausea and vomiting, chemotherapy induced neuropathy, menopausal symptoms, dry mouth, fatigue, constipation, and insomnia. Furthermore, in addition to the clinical value, there is a psychological and emotional benefit; acupuncture creates balance in the Central Nervous System by regulating hormones such as serotonin, noradrenaline, and dopamine. This can alter mood chemistry and help address the physical impact caused by cancer and cancer treatment. In Chinese Medicine theory, emotions are stored in a person’s blood. Therefore, by improving circulation, acupuncture helps move, release and let go of emotions (those due to the stress of a cancer diagnosis or even from long-ago issues) that can be held in the body.

Through the Bruce and Andrea Yablon Cancer Health and Wellness Program at NWH, McKay-Barr’s acupuncture sessions help alleviate any issues patients have from cancer treatment. However, she says she “most enjoys seeing patients work through the most difficult part of their lives and come out on the other side with a gratitude that you cannot teach. The gift of life, positivity, gratefulness, and an overall improved quality of life from this process is so rewarding to see. This is why I love what I do.”

Saw Mill Club and NWH: Two Local Resources for Health, Well-Being and a Sense of Community

Barbara Accetta
PHOTO COURTESY OF SAW MILL CLUB

The Saw Mill Club is so much more than a place to exercise. According to Barbara Accetta, Media and Creative Director for the club, the real impact comes from the sense of community felt throughout the club. She shares that there’s a “real healing environment that can be felt whether you are in a class or not. Each person will find someone who has a journey just like theirs, whether it be injury or illness.” As noted above, the sense of camaraderie and relief a shared health journey affords cannot be understated. Agrees Accetta, “find someone who has a place where they feel they “belong” and you will find someone who is thriving.”

Accetta also points out that, while the club offers multiple varieties of classes for all different levels of experience, and has instructors with general and/or specific knowledge, specific post-illness and post-injury members should consult with their healthcare providers to best navigate their particular needs. The club does have Physical Therapy, one-on-one personal training and massage–all great options for anyone and everyone’s well being.

The Saw Mill Club and NWH have a long and steadfast relationship, and their proximity to each other makes for an easy partnership. Saw Mill has participated in “exercise as medicine” for several patient groups including new mothers, cancer survivors, and hip and knee patients. Saw Mill has also hosted the Annual Hospital Gala on four occasions over the last ten years, turning their indoor tennis courts into a spectacular space for this special fundraiser evening.

Like NWH, Saw Mill is one of Mount Kisco’s larger employers, and has collaborated on wellness programs for hospital employees as well as currently offering a special membership relationship. In the words of General Manager and Vice President, Kevin Kane, “We have common aims for the success of Mt. Kisco and care deeply about our Village by participating in several civic boards and committees.”

Eileen Cohen at Pink Aid walking the runway with Dr. Bonnie Litvack, Director of the Women’s Imaging Center at NWH

Passion and Purpose in Chappaqua’s Relay for Life

May 26, 2018 by Derek Rosen

Since Chappaqua’s Relay For Life, a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society, is organized through Horace Greeley High School, many are under the assumption that it is a student only event. After doing some research, however, I discovered that anybody from the community is welcome to take part in it, so I decided to once again, a year after graduating, sign up. To be clear, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved in Relay after high school by simply showing up to the event, making a donation, or sharing your experiences with cancer. Additionally, most colleges host their own Relays for Life, but I frankly did not feel the same connection to it as the one in my own community.

The People

The participants of Relay for Life in Chappaqua are some of the most passionate people that I have ever met, sacrificing their time and energy for the cause. Together they managed to raise over $130,000 this year, standing in the top ten most successful Relays in the country. Many of these volunteers are united by similar heart wrenching stories of losing loved ones to the disease, or for a lucky few, tales of triumph and survival.

Every year at the event several residents who have dealt with cancer, either personally or as witnesses, tell their stories. Jonathan Taub, a local resident who lost his son Casey to cancer just last year, was particularly emotional. Casey had spoken at the previous Relay, and served as a reminder of what we were fighting to cure.

The Opportunity

One of the highlights of Relay For Life is seeing the many different creative ways that people raise money. This is made possible by the fact that Relay attracts a large amount of willing donors to one place, meaning that a professional idea/orientation is not needed in order to draw attention and make a positive impact. For example, three years ago my team came up with the unorthodox idea to make a watermelon-themed booth at the event, selling various homemade foods and drinks containing the pink fruit, as well as exploding a watermelon with rubber bands. What first started out as an odd idea for a fundraiser, quickly turned into a hit and a tradition that kept us coming back.

This is what makes Relay for Life so magical, it gives everyone a chance to raise money for a great cause. With this unique opportunity to be a part of a community comes the formation of lasting memories, times where you and your friends did something simple to fight against a disease bigger than yourselves. These moments can be happy, such as exploding a watermelon at 2:00 AM while surrounded by a screaming crowd, or they can be sad, like crying and holding your friends tight as you listen to a cancer victim’s story.

My Call to Action

Simply put, I love Relay for Life–the people that participate in it, the opportunity that it presents, and of course the cause, and I don’t want to leave that just because high school is behind me. Making a donation is important, but volunteering your time and energy truly shows cancer patients that you care. I urge you to not limit yourself because of your age and to participate in Relay For Life. It will help you change lives, and I assure you that it will change yours as well.

Derek Rosen (HGHS Class of ’17) is an intern for the Inside Press this summer. In September, Derek will be entering his sophomore year at Syracuse University, where he is a communications major.