Compiled by Debra Scherban. Please send items to dscherban@gazettenet.com.
The American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life of Hampshire County marks its 20th anniversary when the 24-hour event kicks off at 3 p.m., June 16 at Look Memorial Park at 300 North Main St. in Florence.
The event will feature Izzy Gesell, an author, motivational speaker and humorist who is also a prostate cancer survivor. He will speak at 10 a.m. the next day during the Fight Back Ceremony.
Relay For Life gives participants the opportunity to celebrate the lives of people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost and fight back against the disease, by forming fundraising teams which take turns walking on a temporary track at the park from Friday to Saturday afternoon. The money raised goes toward research and programs that benefit cancer patients and their families.
Gesell, who has spoken around the country and around the world for 25 years, is donating his time to describe the role humor played in his own process as a cancer survivor.
“We wanted to add something unique and powerful for the anniversary,” said Jean Travis, a member of the Event Leadership Team. “We hope people from the surrounding communities can come out to hear him.”
Gesell notes that cancer is not funny. “But humor is more than telling jokes. It has many functions that most folks don’t understand or make use of,” he said. “You could say humor is an under-utilized tool, especially for those fighting cancer. It can help us manage our stress and stay resilient.”
The Survivors Lap will be held at 6 p.m. Friday. The Luminaria Ceremony will follow at 9 p.m. to recognize those who have passed on and the Fight Back Ceremony, which will begin with Gesell’s speech, takes place the next morning. It will call people to take personal action to fight back against cancer.
To learn more about the Relay for Life, or donate, visit main.acsevents.org/site/TR/RelayForLife/RFLCY17NE?pg=entry&fr_id= 80842.
To learn more about Gesell, visit izzyg.com.
The WillPower Foundation of Western Massachusetts is seeking to give one family a “lift” by giving away a wheelchair lift valued at about $6,000.
Applications are being accepted through Friday, and the grant will include the cost of installation.
The equipment is a gently used MAC’s Life Gate Inc. wheelchair lift donated by longtime WillPower Foundation supporters and AAC Specialists, Commūnicāre, LLC.
Hampshire, Hampden, Franklin and Berkshire County Families are invited to apply for the wheelchair lift by visiting www.willpowerfoundation.org/flash-grant.
The WillPower Foundation helps western Massachusetts families bridge the gap between the increased expenses and decreased income that exists for many by providing grants up to $500 per family per year for individuals living with different abilities.
Since its inception, the WillPower Foundation has distributed more than $180,000. It relies on donations to help fund its mission.
“In our field, we see firsthand how the WillPower Foundation supports individuals of all abilities in small ways that have a huge impact, says Commūnicāre, LLC’s co-owner Nerissa Hall. “It’s an honor to have the opportunity to help empower an individual to reach their full capability with this lift.”
Visit willpowerfoundation.org for more information on upcoming fundraising events or contact its team at info@willpowerfoundation.org to get involved.For more, contact Emily Albelice, executive director, WillPower Foundation, Inc., director@willpowerfoundation.org, 426-4703.