There’s no doubting the effect that cancer has on millions of households all over the United States. Whether you personally are afflicted with the disease, or it’s one of your loved ones, it can take a devastating toll physically, emotionally and financially on any family. Luckily for these families, the American Cancer Society is there to help them every step of the way.
Each Spring, the American Cancer Society holds its Relay for Life; an overnight event where teams walk laps around an outdoor track raising money for families that are fighting cancer. Here in the Tri-Town, the relay will be held on Friday, June 8 through Saturday, June 9. Local teams have already begun fundraising for the event.
One of those teams is Team B.A.R.B.I.E. The team’s name stands for “Buddies Are Relaying Because It’s Extraordinary,” and is comprised of four women: Christine Cebula, Tena Collyer, Geraldine Todd and Karley Spencer. This is Team B.A.R.B.I.E’s first time participating in Relay for Life.
“I think we’re most looking forward to the camaraderie and the magnitude,” said Collyer. “It’s mind numbing how many people have been affected and have lost people. I love seeing the force come together to show support.”
Collyer is the only member of her team who has not battled cancer personally. Her three other friends have battled thyroid, breast and skin cancer.
“They have unlimited strength and hope for a bright future,” said Collyer. “
Each year, more than 3.5 million people across 5,100 towns in the United States participate in Relay For Life. In the Tri-Town, there are 75 participants among 18 teams that will be walking this year. So far, the teams have raised over $10,000 for the American Cancer Society.
This weekend, Team B.A.R.B.I.E. hopes to raise a large sum of money for the Tri-Town Relay For Life by holding a Bake Sale on Saturday, May 19. The sale will be held at Kitchen & Bath Details on Fairhaven Road in Mattapoisett; a store Collyer co-owns with her sister Jill Muldoon.
“Cancer is becoming more and more prevalent,” said Muldoon. “Someone is diagnosed everyday. We want to do what we can, as little as it may be. Every little bit counts.”
Muldoon said 20 people have volunteered to bake goods, and several local businesses and restaurants have donated gift certificates for raffle items. Pampered chef products, Mary Kay Cosmetics and Lindt Chocolate will also be up for grabs. But it’s the Red Sox tickets that are the favorite prize item.
“People want those tickets,” said Muldoon. “Because we do kitchen and bath design here, we thought a bake sale would be fun because it involves a kitchen. By doing something fun, light and happy, it gives a more positive twist and it’s encouraging.”
The sale will be held from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm at Kitchen & Bath Details located at 81 ½ Fairhaven Rd. in Mattapoisett. All proceeds will benefit the Tri-Town Relay For Life and the American Cancer Society.
By Katy Fitzpatrick