Milford Relay for Life: Battling Cancer 'Round-the-Clock

"It is heartening to see all generations, churches, schools, clubs, organizations come together for one common cause," said Milford Mayor James Richetelli Jr. during the opening ceremony.

Fifty-five teams consisting of more than 500 registered participants raised more than $50,000 by fundraising throughout the year for the 2011 Relay For Life.

The day began with a complimentary luncheon of chicken, salad, baked ziti, rolls and cake served to survivors of cancer, a portion of which was donated by Lasse's Restaurant & Catering of Milford.

After the luncheon and opening ceremony, the day kicked off with a lap around the track of survivors and their caregivers.

A survivor of thyroid cancer for 29 years, Sandy Powell of Milford walked the lap with her 92-year-old mother, Antoinette Martignoni, of Fairfield.

"My mom and I both had cancer and took care of each other at different points. We were each other's strength," said Powell.

Free from endometrial cancer for nine years, Martignoni is still going strong and has an active social life.

"I had a hysterectomy due to the cancer. I go for a yearly physical and consult with a naturopath from California, Pearlyn Goodman-Herrick," said Martignoni.

From 3 p.m. Saturday until 7 a.m. Sunday, at least one team member was on the track doing laps at all times.

Additional funds were raised throughout the day by teams selling baked goods, refreshments, stuffed animals, painting nails, reading Tarot cards, and selling raffle tickets for gift baskets.

At the Gracie's Angels tent, fancy cupcakes and designer sugar cubes were being sold by Jennifer Johnson, Kyra and Lauren Foss.

"We attend different events and sell our products to benefit other's with cancer. We do this in memory of our mother, Gracie, in hope for a cure," said Lauren Foss.

Gracie Perdew fought a nine-year battle with breast cancer that eventually metastasized to the lung and brain. During her ordeal, she endured chemotherapy, radiation and brain surgery — all while working and attending school.

The Foran football team had 10 registered senior football players staying throughout the day and overnight, as well as other team members coming throughout the day to show support.

The team was coordinated by Andrew Sileo, who lost his grandmother to cancer last March. Teammates went all out to raise funds by giving people the option to dress up a football player in an outfit of their choice.

As night fell, a Luminaria ceremony was held, with more than 700 paper bags lining the football field and stands, as well as a slideshow with names of those who survived cancer, and those who lost their battle.

Christina Owczarek, a former staff partner for The American Cancer Society who has donated her time as a volunteer for the past four years, was this year's event co-chair at the Milford Relay For Life.

"Over the nine years the event has been held in Milford, approximately $1 million has been raised to assist in cancer research, as well as support patients and their families," said Owczarek.

"It is amazing to see the dedication of all those who participate and contribute to this cause," she added.

After the Luminaria ceremony, there were ongoing events held all night such as A Fight Back Ceremony at midnight and "Relay Idol."

Late into the evening Scott Packard's Team Knockout was still going strong.

"We have a schedule and will have two team members walking one hour at a time throughout the night," said Packard.

"In the past I had an academy in Cheshire so I did a Relay event for four years in that area. This year I formed a team with students and family from my martial arts academy in Milford," said Packard.

"I lost a loved one to cancer so this is something I will continue to support," he said.

Packard's team came in second for team fundraising, bringing in $3,082.

With $7,137, "Swing For a Cure" was the top fundraising team.

Teams can continue to raise funds until April 31 until new registration begins.

Anyone wishing to donate to a team may visit this link and click on the team they wish to give to.

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