The following is the first in a series of monthly stories about participants in the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life of Hampshire County, which this year takes place June 17 to 18 in Look Park in Florence.
Crystal Rivera Labato of Easthampton has been a part of the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life of Hampshire County since a friend recruited her in 2003, but it is the memory of her father that inspires her to return year after year.
In 1997 Donato Labato of Easthampton was diagnosed with adult rhabdomyosarcoma, a very rare tumor. He was initially told he had two weeks to live, but he survived for nine months, a result his family consider a miracle, says his daughter.
“For me, my father is the very definition of a fighter and a survivor,” Rivera Labato said. “He fought an incurable cancer with everything that he had.” Now, “we are fighting cancer the only way we can — through fundraising for research and programs — and in the spirit of Dad never giving up.”
This year Rivera Labato is heading the Hampshire County effort for the relay as Event Lead, a role that makes her responsible for seeing that the two-day affair runs smoothly. Mary Wholly of South Hadley is the People Lead in charge of increasing participation and David Mimitz of Southampton is the Fund the Mission Lead, who oversees financial matters.
These leaders gathered in February to officially begin the planning for the event that will take place on June 17 and 18 at Look Memorial Park in Florence. The kick-off was held in St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Hall Parish in Northampton and was attended by roughly 100 team members, cancer survivors and caregivers.
Relay For Life runs for 24 hours spanning two days in which teams of participants take turns walking on a temporary track to raise money for cancer research and programs. In its first year, in 1997, the Hampshire County relay raised $24,000; last year participants brought in $220,000, exceeding its goal by $5,000.
“I’m passionate about helping teams work to find new ways to raise donations,” Rivera Labato said. “I have no doubt we will knock last year’s record out of the park.”
At the kick-off event — a pancake breakfast meant not only to get the planning rolling, but to inspire the volunteers and team members — organizer Patty Greene of Florence urged those gathered to display the color purple, the color long associated with cancer awareness. The theme for this year’s relay is “Paint the World Purple.”
“I wish everyone would take the time to experience relay at least once in their life,” she said. “When folks see purple, they will think relay —and hopefully support that.”
Greene has been involved with Hampshire County Relay For Life since its start, serving as team captain of The Dixie Choppers and on the leadership team for 18 years.
“I fully support the mission of the American Cancer Society,” she said, “and I love helping our survivors, caregivers and folks affected by cancer to feel the support, understanding, compassion, healing and hope that is such a huge part of Relay For Life events.”
Greene noted that the event spurs participants to relate their personal experiences which is inspiring.
“There will be stories of who they are there to honor, to remember, and even peoples’ own personal battles with cancer,” Greene said.
White paper bags — called luminaria — containing glow sticks were scattered across the breakfast tables. Participants were directed to write the names of people lost to cancer on the bags and then activate the glow sticks. The room was darkened, and a moment of silence followed.
Cooley Dickinson Hospital of Northampton has been the presenting sponsor for the relay since it began in 1997, and organizers acknowledged this year’s sponsorship check for $10,000.
Following presentations by speakers on the importance of raising funds for the American Cancer Society, leaders offered an inspirational video, a game and prizes.
Reflecting on the many years she has devoted to making the relay a success Greene said. “I still find — even after 18 years — that the benefits far outweigh any challenges.”
To learn more, volunteer or donate, visit www.relayforlife.org/hampshirecountyma or email hamprelay@gmail.com.
Kayla Fontaine is a student at Westfield State University. She assists with publicity for Relay For Life of Hampshire County.