Relay for Life to be Held on L.I. Campus

March 15, 2012

PATCHOGUE, NY MARCH 16, 2012 St. Josephs College (SJC) is pleased to announce that it will host its first annual Relay for Life event from 6 p.m. on Saturday, April 14 to 6 a.m. on Sunday, April 15. A family-oriented, overnight event, Relay for Life encourages team members to take turns walking or running around an illuminated track for 12 hours while raising awareness and funds for the American Cancer Society.

Relay for Life was created in 1985 by Dr. Gordy Klat, a surgeon who wanted to show his support for his patients that had battled cancer. Today, the event has become a national success and features three themescelebrate, remember and fight back. The event begins with a Survivors Lap, an inspirational time when survivors circle the track together to celebrate their victories over cancer. After dark, there is a Luminaria Ceremony that honors people who have been touched by cancer and remembers those who lost their fight. Lastly, the Fight Back Ceremony is an opportunity for each participant to make a commitment to save lives by taking up the fight against cancer.

Christopher Tellarico, a junior and business administration major at SJC, decided to host the event with the help and support of Pamela Parker, director of special events for the American Cancer Society. Mr. Tellarico has been participating in Relay for Life events for the past eight years, in addition to recruiting participants for the annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk.

"By bringing this event to SJC, I hope to show my fellow students all the great things that fundraising efforts can accomplish, said Mr. Tellarico. "I know what a personal impact this event has had on me. Its truly an overwhelming experience when such a large group of people are all united and working together for a cause that has changed so many lives. Its a feeling that I cant wait to share with St. Josephs College.

The event welcomes former and current cancer patients, their families, friends and the public, to take part in the fight against cancer. Registration is $15 and participants can form teams or join an existing team. For more information, please contact Marian Russo, director of student activities and co-curricular programs at 631.687.4590.