Relay for Life coming to Seaford

Battling cancer is a never-ending team effort. For one day, the Seaford community will join the race to fight the disease by raising awareness and funds.

On Saturday, from noon until midnight, Seaford will host its fourth annual Relay for Life event at the high school.

Since 1985, Relay for Life has benefitted the American Cancer Society, which has provided communities across the globe an opportunity to unite and fight back against the deadly disease. Participants walk together in solidarity to remember lost loved ones, as well as survivors. More than four million people nationwide participate in the event, the American Cancer Society’s top fundraiser.

Seaford residents are encouraged to come and participate. “Relay for Life is a great opportunity for the residents to come together and fight for a good cause,” said Denise Goban, the local co-chair. “Seaford comes together as a community, and it is a beautiful thing to see.”

“Participants come and pitch their tents around the track,” said American Cancer Society representative Sarah Sobel. “They take turns walking and jogging around the track. It is encouraged to always have people on the track to show our never-ending relay for cancer.”

Target, a main sponsor of the event, will host a barbecue with hamburgers and hot dogs for the participants.

The 12-hour-long event will also include a Kids’ Zone, featuring bounce houses, face painting and a dunking booth.

At 2 p.m., a guest speaker will give a talk on his or her battle with cancer and the importance of these fundraisers.

Once the sun sets, the participants will gather around the track with candles to honor those who have battled cancer and remember loved ones they have lost to the disease.

According to Goban, Relay for Life of Seaford has already raised more than $23,000 and has more than 100 registered participants. Last year’s event raised over $38,000 and organizers have set a goal for this year’s event of $60,000.

Years ago, while Goban was a member of the Seaford Parent Teacher Association, a colleague, April Sanders, helped bring the fundraiser to Seaford. Today, Goban, along with Lisa and Country Hallinan, are the three lead organizers of the event.

According to Sobel, Relay for Life of Seaford is one of nearly 50 Relay for Life events that take place annually on Long Island.

To register online for free, to donate or to find out more about the event, visit relay.acsevents.org. People of all ages are encouraged to participate.