During the past few weeks and certainly during the next three weeks you are going to see Purple. Purple lights, purple signs, purple shirts. The color purple takes on a whole new meaning in April and May. It is the color for the Relay For Life. The annual 12-hour event that celebrates survivorship and raises money for research and programs of the American Cancer Society. Relay for life represents HOPE...

...that those lost to cancer will never be forgotten

...that those who face cancer will be supported

...and that one day cancer will be eliminated

You will also be seeing a lot of Tom Hickey, the Farmingdale Relay For Life Event Chairperson. I have seen Tom speak at the Village Trustee Meeting, the Farmingdale Chamber and the Farmingdale Summit, all within the last week. His message is always the same and the reactions are always as consistent. He mentions that almost everyone has been touched in some way by cancer - themselves, a family member, friends, co-workers. We all have our own special stories. I watch as some of the audience members nod their heads in agreement or their faces suddenly change to a frown as Tom speaks. I also watch their faces as Tom continues with his story, telling them about his battle and how he is a survivor. I see their faces change back to a smile or see a moment of reflection in their faces. There are powerful feelings that emanate from his talks. He mentions the need for early detection and he talks about the incredible support that is available, 24 hours a day from the American Cancer Society. He finishes with his request, "please assist in any way you can with the upcoming relay." This year, the fun - filled 12-hour overnight event will take place on Friday, May 4 and Saturday, May 5 at Farmingdale State University. I had the distinct pleasure of walking with the group on the ceremonial first lap last year. I was touched by the event and I hope that we can get as many of our community members to participate or assist in some way. You can help by forming a team, walking if you are a cancer survivor, becoming a sponsor, donating a raffle item or becoming a volunteer. For information on joining or making a team contact Arlene Soete: 694-1872, email: soetea@aol.com. Survivors can contact Sal and Christina Risi at 755-6258 or email: risi6@aol.com. Sponsors can call: Anne Balfour at 799-8164, email: abalfour@optonline.net. Chinese Raffle donations call Beth Beneville at 795-7513, email: beth@nrsi.com. Volunteers can contact Tom Hickey at 293-5236 or email him at trhjan29@aol.com. You can also visit the American Cancer Society's web site at www.cancer.org. Please become part of the Farmingdale team that supports the Hope!