Relay for Life 2012

By Jane A. Marlowe 

janem@coastalbreezenews.com 

The American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life was held Saturday, April 14 at the Marriott Vacation Club, Crystal Shores, Marco Island. Dr. Loan Lam, Chair of the Relay, welcomed the teams and visitors to the event and described the volunteers’ common goal to raise money for cancer research. The theme, Celebrate, Remember, Fight Back was prominently displayed on placards, T-shirts and at the booths of the teams who gathered on the beach before beginning their walk for a cure.

The American Cancer Society registration booth was covered by Dana Cleary and Jan Zilch at the start of the event. Jan was in charge of registration and finances for the day and was one busy lady as the afternoon got underway. Dana was

very pleased to give her time to the cause of fighting back and raising money to seek a cure for cancer. Her father, Bill Tiley, is a survivor of prostate cancer. “He is 100 years old now and resides with my family. He especially enjoys sitting out on Barfield Drive near Bahamas Ave., and waving to the passersby.” Remember to give him a wave the next time you drive by his post!

The Lely High School Trojan Marching Band was well represented by its percussion section which performed a number of rousing selections. The musical salute was especially appreciated when the gathering learned that the school’s prom was scheduled for that same evening of the 14th and these fine young musicians did not hurry through

their performance. The drummers included Joe Benarroch, Josh Freiberg, Alexa Macias, Thomas Borduas, Julian Acosta, Kentavius Means, Sean Stolliker, Melody Shaffery, Danny Menelli, Kennedy Sanchez and Niel Teveten. Katie Borduas, herself an alumna of Lely High School and mother of one of the drummers, was present for their performance and expressed her pride in the commitment these young people make to Band. “It takes hours of practice and determination to produce their great sound. I’m so glad they were invited to perform here today.”

A long time supporter of the American Cancer Society, Gene Consolo, introduced his daughters who flew in from around the country to honor their mother who lost her battle to cancer two years ago. Cathi flew in from California, Lisa from

Virginia and Jeanne from Michigan to walk the Relay with their dad in memory of their mom, Katie, and to support the Cancer Society’s efforts to fight back against cancer.

The theme of the Marriott Beach Resort booth was the Superhero Green Lantern. There were attractive green and white baskets on display holding special gifts raffled off by Marriott staff. The prizes included A Day at the Beach, Dinner at Kurrents and A Day at the Spa. The Marriott Relay team included Judy Mayo, Cathy Nelson, Susan Ryziw and Bianca O’Neil. Other associates were expected to join the Relay as the afternoon progressed.

Celebrate, Remember, Fight Back. The battle continues and Marco Island will persevere until a cure for cancer is found. Thank you to all who hear the call and answer.