| Marching toward a cure
Local residents, cancer survivors support Relay for Life By Pat Healy There is no cure for cancer yet, but Watertown residents are doing their part to raise money to help find one. Last year's Relay for Life, at Brandeis University in Waltham, raised about $240,000, and the American Cancer Society is appealing to the community to beat that record this year. The event, which takes place on May 2 and 3 at the Brandeis practice track, is a 24-hour celebration of life and a salute to those who have been stricken with the disease, living and dead. Doreen Munger-Dawson, who is the event chairwoman, lost her father, Walter, to cancer in 2000. "When you lose someone to cancer you're left with a feeling of `we need to do something about this disease,' and this is a fun way to do something worthwhile," she said. She and a group of friends and family formed Wally's Warriors in homage to her late father, and like the thousands of other participants, they set up a tent in the middle of the track, and take turns doing laps throughout the course of the day, the night, and the next morning. The walkers pass a baton as each team member walks. The baton for Wally's Warriors is a clear tube with pictures of their team's namesake within. It's a way to keep his memory alive, said Munger-Dawson. Walter Munger retired as the acting Chief of Police of Watertown, and although he was a smoker, the news that he had cancer was a shock to the whole family in 1997. "For me, it hit like a brick because although I knew he was at high risk, I could only hope it wouldn't happen," said Doreen. He was treated and stayed in good health for a few years. "These treatments are why I support the American Cancer Society," said Munger-Dawson. "The successes and survival rates have increased because of cancer research and clinical drug trials, a lot of which the American Cancer Society funds." Walter Munger's cancer returned in 1999, and in December 2000, he succumbed to the illness. But many of the stories associated with Relay for Life are ones of survival. Rich Kelly of Watertown, who had served on the police force with Munger, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1991. A rare occurrence in males, Kelly has had a clean bill of health for the past decade, and has participated in the Relay for Life since its beginnings in 1996. "Every family has been touched in one way or another by cancer," he said. "I'm very fortunate for such strong support from my family and friends." Kelly, who at 64 is the captain of the team Kelly Green, takes one lap every year as part of the "Survivors' Lap," where participants who are either living with cancer, or who have had the disease in the past, are saluted as they take a lap around the track. Thousands of luminary candles are lit in the stands. Relatives and friends of cancer patients decorate the luminaries, and from the field the survivors can read messages like "hope," and "faith" as they walk their lap. Tina Vanaria also participates in the Survivors' Lap. "It's overwhelming, but it's just so unbelievably touching to me," she said. "It's just so emotional, in a good way. You feel really good, and I'm very thankful I'm still here." At only 32, Vanaria was diagnosed with cervical cancer, which is now in remission. Lois Romanowski, another survivor, was diagnosed with breast cancer the day before she left for a vacation to Aruba. While away, her family worked hard to get her into Massachusetts General Hospital, renowned for its cancer treatment program. "Cancer came knocking on the wrong door," said her daughter Diane Thompson. If cancer could be intimidated by force, the Romanowski family has certainly done its part to scare it away. Thompson organized a Halloween costume fundraiser, which this past year raised $4,300 for the American Cancer Society, and her brother holds an annual wine tasting for the cause. Thompson is also in charge of the entertainment for the Relay for Life, booking clowns and the DJ services of P & M Sound in Waltham, who agreed to do the event free of charge. "I had never even heard of the Relay for Life before my mom was diagnosed," she said, "but because of her we were thrown into it, and now even my kids are setting up lemonade stands to raise money for cancer." Romanowski said the first time she walked the Survivors' Lap, she had to choke back tears. "It's really touching with all the candles lit around the track and the sound of bagpipes," she said. "Seeing everyone working together gives hope that one day there might be a cure." The American Cancer Society is looking for more Watertown teams, survivors to walk the Survivors' Lap and volunteers to help on the day of the event. For more information call Doreen Munger-Dawson at 617-924-8025. Back |
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