Often I find myself writing about public health threats to our community in an effort to create awareness and rally for support. Today the subject of my letter is "cancer." Although the topic is very serious, my note is in the way of a huge congratulations to our community for rallying together this past weekend at the Plainview-Old Bethpage Second Annual American Cancer Society Relay for Life. This overnight activity raises funds and awareness in the hope of finding a cure and honors those who have won their battle and memorializes those whom we have lost.

Last year's Relay exceeded all expectations for a first-time event and, undoubtedly, judging from the 2,500 plus residents and the tally at the end of the evening, once again our community should be proud of making a huge dent in the fight to end this dreaded disease.

My highest kudos are extended to our Plainview-Old Bethpage Event co-chairs, the American Cancer Society Event coordinators, the POB Board of Education, the school and athletic volunteers who worked tirelessly to organize and run the event, the Town of Oyster Bay for its support, the team captains, all of the incredibly generous event sponsors, local merchants, the many residents who participated, all the donors and, most importantly, the children who raised funds, volunteered, set up Luminary Bags, performed at the event and came down to enthusiastically support the fight.

Bravo to all!

Carol Meschkow

President

Concerned Citizens of the

Plainview-Old Bethpage Community, Inc.