Relay Kickoff Celebration a Success

Relay for Life of Shelby Township held their kickoff celebration Thursday night at Eisenhower High School, and the feeling in the room was one of energy and excitement.

The turnout was fantastic for the group's first celebration, as the volunteers and participants discussed plans for fundraising and logistics.   Relay returnees and new faces alike eagerly count down the weeks until the event and begin to set their goals.

“Twenty-eight teams have already signed up for the Relay before tonight,” American Cancer Society Community representative Dorothy Busignani said.  “And teams are continuing to sign up tonight.  Our goal is 48 teams and we hope to get close to that.”

During the presentation, a survivor and a caregiver each spoke and then the group held a luminaria, which is a very important component of the Relay.  It is held in memory and honor of anyone that has battled cancer. 

The 24-hour team-based Relay will take place on May 21-22 from 10 a.m.-10 a.m. at River Bends Park in Shelby Township.

Shelby Township trustee Lisa Manzella was on hand, helping with team registration and information.

“I’m here on a personal level tonight,” said Manzella.  "I relay for both my dad and my mom.  My mom is a survivor.  This is my fifth year with the Shelby Relay; I’m a team development chair.”

“Getting the word out to the community like this is not only good for the American Cancer Society, it’s also a great community event,” said Manzella.  “If you haven’t participated in the event before, you wouldn’t believe how much fun it is.  It’s a 24-hour entertainment event.  There are some tears shed, but it’s also a blast.”

Looking around the room, one couldn’t help but notice the number of high school and middle school students that were in attendance.

“This is our fourth year relaying and it’s our children's third,” team captain for the Angels of Grace, Anna Strem, said.  “Our kids really enjoy this and understand the importance of the fundraising.  Not only have they split away from us to form their own teams, but those teams have also split to form additional teams.  Ike and Utica both have teams that are competing against each other.”

There is still plenty of time to form a team and get involved.

Busignani offered a shout-out to the Shelby-Utica community, “We’d love to see everyone come out.”

“The more people that know about the Relay, the more funds will be raised that will go toward research,” Relay participant and caregiver Michelle Pachla said.  “That’s why we’re here.”

To register a team, make a donation or learn more about the Shelby event, please visit their website at www.relayforlife.org/shelbytownshipmi.