A wall of purple shirts surrounded me as I set foot on the first lap of the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life. A few minutes earlier, I had the honor of welcoming the participants, sponsors and guests to this year’s event. The privilege of walking the first lap goes to Cancer Survivors, distinguished by their purple shirts. It was a walk that I will not forget. It was an amazing experience to march around the track with these very courageous and special people. They told me their unique trials and tribulations. They all shared the same spirit and determination. Walking around the track, I also noticed the white “lunch” bags that lined the track. The bags were all hand decorated with pictures, poems, quotes and other sayings. Each contained a candle that would be lit to remember the special person written about on the bag. As I proudly walked with them, I could not help but wish that more people could experience this moment and see firsthand the amazing coming-together of cancer survivors, caregivers and relatives/friends of people lost to the terrible disease. While there were many organizations from Farmingdale participating, I feel strongly that we can get even more for next year. It really is something that people of all ages should experience. I hope that our community businesses and service organizations can start planning now so they can take part next year. I want to congratulate all the walkers and participants for making the event so memorable. I can’t say enough about Jennifer Muccioli and Tom Hickey, the event co-chairpersons, for pulling it all together. The relay is about hope, hope that those lost will never be forgotten, hope that those who face cancer will be supported and hope that one day cancer will be eliminated. The participants certainly succeeded in accomplishing the first two and make a substantial contribution to assisting with the third. If you would like to add to the hope, you can send your contribution to: American Cancer Society, 75 Davids Drive, Hauppauge, NY 11788. You can also visit their website at www.cancer.org.