Baldwin family, vendors to hold fundraiser for American Cancer Society

Over 25 local vendors have signed on for this Sunday’s Relay for Life fundraiser, “Shopping for a Cure,” at St. Christopher’s Church to help raise money for the American Cancer Society. The all-day event is being hosted by Relay for Life team Prayers 4 Patrick.

The vendors will be selling handbags, clothing, jewelry, antiques, plants, and much more during the event, which will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in St. Christopher’s lower church. All proceeds will be donated to the American Cancer Society.

In addition, each vendor has prepared a gift basket to be raffled off at some point during the day. The Baldwin Girl Scouts will provide an assortment of baked goods. There will also be a Relay for Life table, at which residents can purchase Relay for Life items, register and/or make donations.  

"I think that people, especially Long Islanders, want to lend a hand when they hear that it has to do with cancer," said Kelly Conlan, a member of team Prayers 4 Patrick. "Cancer is not discriminatory — it affects everyone. People's lives have been touched, whether it is immediate family or a friend."

The Conlan family is no stranger to cancer. Last year, Kelly’s husband, Patrick, was diagnosed with a very rare germ cell tumor in his chest. Patrick underwent extensive chemotherapy over a five-month period — a very hard time for the family, Kelly explained. But Patrick is now in remission, and is even training for a 5K Ocean Run in his native Rockaway Beach.

   Kelly says the support she received from friends and family during that time made her realize that not everyone was as lucky as her family, and that is the reason for her getting involved in events like Relay for Life. And others, like the 50 members of Prayers 4 Patrick, have followed suit.

“Thank you to all the members of Prayers 4 Patrick who work so hard to make these events possible,” Kelly said. “There is a lot of time and planning that goes into this and they work so hard. I also want to thank all of the local businesses that help out by making donations, whether it be for raffle items or services.”

To donate, volunteer or register as a vendor for Sunday’s event, email Kelly at prayers4patrick@yahoo.com.