Uniting the communities of Fairfield, Easton and Bridgeport in the Fight Against Caner
FAIRFIELD, CT — June 4, 2012 — The 2012 Relay For Life of Fairfield will be held on Saturday and Sunday, June 9th-10th at Fairfield Ludlowe High School. Celebrating 15 years in Fairfield, this team event to fight cancer draws participants from Fairfield, Easton and Weston. The event, which raises money for The American Cancer Society’s programs of research, education, advocacy and services, features 2,000 team members joining local cancer survivors and their caregivers in walking the track.
Fairfield’s First Selectman Michael Tetreau will help kickoff the Opening Ceremony along with Honorary Chairs Lili Walker and Mark Frattaroli. Starting with the Opening Ceremony at 6 p.m. on Saturday and ending with a Closing “Sunrise” Ceremony that will conclude at 6 am on Sunday, the overnight event brings awareness to how the fight against cancer never stops.
Walker, a computer teacher at Fairfield Ludlowe Middle School, is a breast cancer survivor. Although initially overwhelmed and scared after her diagnosis, she found strength by attending support groups. Eight years later, Walker is very thankful to be leading a cancer-free life.
“I am honored to serve as an Honorary Chair for the 2012 Relay For Life of Fairfield, “said Walker. “There were many people who helped me during my year of treatment. Many of them were cancer survivors who gave me hope and inspiration. Without them, my cancer journey would have been so much more lonely and difficult. Hopefully, I can provide the same encouragement to others who now are going through cancer treatment.”
Frattaroli, an Engish and Theatre teacher at Fairfield Warde High School, has courageously battled Acute Prolymphocytic Leukemia for the past six years. He knows how difficult the fight against cancer truly can be, not just as a survivor but also as a caregiver. A year after Frattaroli’s diagnosis, his father passed away from another form of leukemia. He looks upon Relay For Life as an opportunity to give back to the people who supported him during those difficult times.
“I let people care for me. Doctors, nurses, my wife, my parents, “said Frattaroli. “You just have to see all the love that is around you. I felt it from my students, my co-workers (who sent enough lasagna for a life time), and my family.”
200 cancer survivors will take the first lap of the event and will be joined by their caregivers for the second lap. A complimentary Survivor Reception will follow the survivor & caregiver laps. And when darkness falls, the Luminaria Ceremony at 9:00 p.m. will honor those lost to cancer and those still battling.
Online registration for the 2012 Relay For Life of Fairfield will remain open on the website listed below until Thursday June 7. Day of Registration at the event will begin at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday June 9. Other highlights of the event include: Trendsetters Salon’s 8-inch ponytail donation booth open from 6:45-9:00 p.m., the Fairfield Firefighters’ 3:00 a.m. Bacon, Egg and Cheese Sandwiches, and performances by local bands.
For more information on Relay For Life of Fairfield, including how to participate as a Survivor, donor, sponsor or volunteer, please visit www.relayforlife.org/fairfieldct, email FairfieldRelayOnline@gmail.com or call 203-563-1519.
