South Windsor resident Becca Lazinsk lost her mother to breast cancer when Becca was in elementary school.
Now a senior at Keene State College in New Hampshire, Becca is participating in her 12th Relay for Life.
“I believe a cure is possible, but we have to work for it,” Becca said during the 2013 kickoff event for the 19th annual South Windsor/Rockville Relay for Life at the Charles N. Enes Community Center on Friday evening. “I think the Relay is the best way to do it 100 percent.”
Becca’s story was just one of many that people had to tell during the kickoff event. Some of the stories were of survival, others were of support for a loved one. But they all had one common theme - cancer and the struggle to defeat the dreaded disease.
“We provide the hope,” said Amy Yobst, the team retention and recruitment coordinator for the South Windsor/Rockville Relay for Life.
About 50 people were in attendance for the kickoff, at which people bought raffle tickets, ate dinner and listened to speakers including Susan Myers of West Hartford, who lost her son to cancer.
Relays for Life are fundraisers held all over the world for the American Cancer Society. Volunteers organize relay teams that raise money and then walk during a 24-hour event.
The South Windsor/Rockville relay in 2013 will be held on June 7 - 8 at the South Windsor High School. Last year’s relay in South Windsor raised nearly $197,469 after expenditures. The top team - Tata’s Troop - raised $16,213.03.
This year’s goal is $203,000, according to Yobst.
For more information contact LuAnn Izraelevitz, event chair, at 860-644-4103 or at luann.i@dwtemps.com.
