Christopher Safi, founder of Little Golden Light, an organization that supports children with cancer, took home the Gold Together Award. Lisa Harrison got this year’s Honorary Survivor Award and Timothy Breen got the Caregiver Award.
In honor of America’s 250 years of independence, U.S. Air Force veteran Raymond Aalbue and U.S. Army veteran Connie Ranocchia received the National Service Award.
Schools and community groups participated, including P.S. 69, the Knights of Pythias, the Columbiettes and others.
Cancer survivor and event lead Elaine Delaney said the day has deep meaning to her and participants as it continues to grow each year.
“This year was great,” she said. “The community part is really starting to build up, and they were there that day, and there were nice additions besides all the schools.”
Mary Ann Torre led attendees in Zumba. There were also activities for kids.
“We had a nice group,” she said. “We had about 30 survivors and their caregivers. They came up, got their medals and sashes, and took their first lap around the track. Then, they get a free luncheon from us. We also gave them a bag with goodies in it.”
Staten Island Tech also attended the walk, with students presenting a check. Volunteers from Kingsborough College helped with setup.
“We are just trying to get the doors open,” she said. “Although we’re 28 years old, we’re still trying to get the word out and build it up.”
Towards the end of the day, there was a Luminaria ceremony.
“It was as beautiful as always,” Delaney said. “We remembered a few people who had passed.”
Linda Swalling, who was part of Relay for the whole 28 years, passed this year, along with two others.
“I wanted everyone to know that we lost some people this year who were a part of Relay. Everyone walked around the track field while the [luminaria] bags were lit up.”
A bagpiper led the walk as luminaria lights were lit. She also added a new touch to the walk.
“I bought a bell because not everyone gets a chance to ring the bell when they’re done with their chemotherapy,” she said. “It was so beautiful between the bagpiper — the bags lit. Then, when the people were done with the walk, they all rang the bell. It felt like the angels were there with us.”
Delaney’s two sons have been a part of Relay for Life. She also said it’s important for other survivors to continue attending the walk.
“Sometimes survivors, once they have been through it, they won’t come to Relay and say, ‘Oh, that was a while ago, so I don’t want to remember,’” she said. “But I try to explain to them that their story might help someone who was just diagnosed. It’s not just you. You’re helping other people. That’s what I try to explain to anyone who’s a little hesitant.”
As of June 17, Relay for Life Brooklyn has raised $107,125,91.
