Monday, July 7, 2025
After months of planning and community outreach, Relay For Life is returning to Baldwin. The event, organized by the American Cancer Society, brings people together to raise money for cancer research, patient services and awareness.
This year’s event will take place this Saturday, 2 p.m., at Baldwin Harbor Park. It welcomes everyone — cancer survivors, caregivers, families and friends — to walk in support of those affected by cancer.
Organizers and volunteers across Baldwin have been working for the past year to bring the event back. Among those leading the charge are longtime residents Abby and Miguel Melendez, both cancer survivors.
“People realize that there are other survivors and they aren’t alone,” Abby said.
Relay For Life first came to Baldwin more than a decade ago at Baldwin High School. It later moved to Baldwin Park and raised nearly $28,000 in 2016. Participation slowed in the following years, and the pandemic put the event on hold. But in 2021, it returned virtually — and came back in person last year.
The relay begins with an emotional opening lap, where cancer survivors walk the track, followed by a second lap to honor caregivers. Later in the evening, a luminary lap — lit with candles — will honor those who have died and those still fighting cancer.
“Think about the people you lost and the people who are surviving,” Abby said.
Planning for this year’s event has been a team effort, with community members meeting regularly at the Baldwin Public Library. One key organizer is Jennifer Scarduzio, a breast cancer survivor and top fundraiser.
This year’s fundraising goal was $22,000. As the event nears, more than $23,000 has already been raised — with Scarduzio contributing over $8,000 herself.
“One of the reasons why I’m still alive is because of the American Cancer Society,” she said. “We need to show the support that goes around in the community when you’re fighting.”
The Melendezes are also active year-round, supporting others through their ThyCa L.I. support group for thyroid cancer survivors. Miguel also volunteers with the Road to Recovery program, which provides rides to patients traveling to treatment. In January, the couple launched a caregiver support group to assist families and friends of those facing cancer.
Organizers hope this year’s Relay not only raises money but also brings the Baldwin community together in hope and healing.
“Come and see what it’s all about,” Miguel said.
