MAHOPAC - There are moments when cancer survivors and those battling the disease can come together as a community, shed joyful tears and celebrate living.
Yesterday was one of those shining moments at the Putnam County Relay For Life event at Mahopac High School.
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The sunsoaked festivities kicked off shortly after 11 a.m. with some 200 cancer survivors walking in unison around the high school track as hundreds cheered them on.
"This is just awesome. This is all about life and getting rid of this horrible disease," said three-year breast cancer survivor Rose Bunyea, 50, of Mahopac. "I look forward to this every year."
Putnam's Relay for Life, now in its 11th year, raises money for the American Cancer Society. Since it started, the Putnam chapter has raised $2.1 million, said Putnam's Relay Chairman Matthew Feehan. Last year, Feehan said, the Relay brought in $340,000.
More than 90 percent of the money collected goes directly to the American Cancer Society, he said.
This year, more than 3,000 people were expected to attend the relay that would last until midnight, Feehan said. Normally, the relay is an overnight event that takes place in June, but construction at the high school pushed it forward to April.
"It's a special day," said Feehan. "The thing about the relay is that it brought cancer out of the closet. Now they can celebrate their struggle with their families and the community."
A variety of relays were planned throughout the day, and several tents were scattered throughout the field, selling a variety of food and wares.
Gina Aurisicchio, a six-year breast cancer survivor, started "Drink for Pink" this year as a fundraising vehicle for the American Cancer Society. Her tent was decked out with pink roses and feathers while their mascot, a pink gorilla, roamed around offering giveaway prizes and seeking donations. The group was also offering haircuts to donate to Locks of Love, she said.
"We're thrilled to be here," said Aurisicchio of Mahopac. "It's a great day and a great cause."
Brendan O'Connor of Mahopac said he was humbled to be named this year's honorary chairman.
O'Connor, 53, is an eight-year rectal cancer survivor, but is now battling a form of cancer that attacks the lungs, he said.
"I'm doing this so that we can beat this," O'Connor said. "So that my kids, my grandkids would never have to go through something like this."
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