Relay for Life heads to Freehold

FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP - More than 100 area residents gathered to kick off the American Cancer Society Relay for Life of Freehold on Feb. 20 at Freehold Township High School. The rally officially launched the Relay for Life, which will be coming to Freehold on June 16-17.

Guests were greeted by Rosina Cascone of Freehold, Relay for Life co-chair, according to a press release.

Rally participants learned about how their involvement in the nationwide movement benefits lifesaving American Cancer Society research, programs and services from honorary chair Steve Cittadino, a 15-year prostate cancer survivor.

Cittadino told his story of why he relayed, his hopeful story of his ongoing battle fighting cancer and how he became involved with the American Cancer Society.

Cancer Prevention Study-3 (CPS-3) Chair Debbie Crawford announced that Relay for Life of Freehold would be honored to be the first Relay for Life in New Jersey to participate in the landmark CPS-3. The purpose of CPS-3 is to better understand the lifestyle, behavioral, environmental and genetic factors that cause or prevent cancer and to ultimately eliminate cancer as a major health problem for this and future generations, according to a press release.

Relay for Life is a volunteer-driven community event that allows participants from all walks of life - including cancer survivors, families, friends, corporations, civic organizations, schools, religious groups, and concerned community members - to join together in the fight against cancer. Relay for Life is an overnight celebration where individuals and teams camp out, picnic, dance and take turns walking or running around a track "relay" style.

The event begins as cancer survivors walk in a "survivor lap" around the track celebrating their victory over cancer. At nightfall, participants light hundreds of luminary candles in a ceremony that honors cancer survivors and pays tribute to those lost to the disease.

The American Cancer Society's Relay for Life of Freehold will be held at Freehold Raceway on June 16-17. To find out how to form a Relay for Life team or to volunteer, call the American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit www.cancer.org/relay.