Thursday, October 1, 2026
Any relay event requires a team effort and in many ways a battle with cancer requires the same.
Residents of Lynbrook and East Rockaway will gather on May 18 at South Middle School for Lynbrook-East Rockaway’s annual Relay for Life Event where thousands of dollars will be raised to help the American Cancer Society come closer to bringing an end to cancer.
During Relay For Life events, participants camp out and take turns walking or running around a track or path. Each team is asked to have a representative on the track at all times during the event to represent that cancer never rests.
“On May 22, the American Cancer Society celebrates 100 years of saving lives from cancer and creating a world with more birthdays,” said Judy Wichter, director of special events for the American Cancer Society. “It’s the progress we’ve made together — as a community, as volunteers, as survivors and as leaders — that has helped us reach this incredible milestone with tremendous success.
“By lending your support to the Lynbrook-East Rockaway event this year, you’ll be lending your support to the Society’s efforts to finish the fight and bring an end to cancer as we know it,” she added.
According to Adam Glickman, who has organized the Relay for Life event in Lynbrook the last three years, 42 teams have registered so far and raised more than $45,000. Glickman said he didn’t think this year’s event would raise as much money it has in years past because Hurricane Sandy affected so many people, but he’s been pleasantly surprised with the community’s response.
Leading up to the event, teams raise money through various fundraisers. On May 2, Glickman was guest bartending at Pearsall’s Station on Sunrise Highway, which brought in more than $1,000. Also, tickets were sold to a Long Island Ducks game on May 10 where $5 from every ticket sold went to Relay for Life. Glickman said more than 150 were purchased.
After sundown, one of the most touching moments of the event takes place: the Luminaria Ceremony. Participants will circle the track that is surrounded with glowing luminaria that bears the name of someone who has battled cancer as a way to honor the community’s cancer survivors and remember those lost to the disease. Glickman said it’s his favorite part of the event.
On May 18 there will be several raffles with prizes ranging from gift cards to local businesses to a tour of Howard Stern’s studio.
For more information about the event or to get involved visit www.relayforlife.org/lynbrookny.
