On May 17, Carle Place held its first Relay for Life (RFL), American Cancer Society's nationwide fundraiser. I would like to congratulate each and every person in the community who helped to make Carle Place's Relay for Life an extraordinary event. Without such enthusiasm, this event would have never been so successful. Everyone from Eddie (ACS partner), to school administrators and staff, committee members, community members, and each and every team and all the participants made planning this relay a fun, amazing, exciting and enjoyable adventure!

When I had the idea to bring RFL to Carle Place, I really did not know what to expect. A wise friend told me not to set my expectations too high so I would remain somewhat sane. The turnout of 500 plus people and the $75,000 raised far exceeded all possible expectations I could have had! I know many of you were not familiar with the event and did not know what to expect, but I hope it exceeded all of your expectations as well.

The most amazing point of the night for me was when we did our memory lap before the lighting of the luminaries. At this time, everyone was asked to walk one lap around track in silence to remember those we have lost to the battle of cancer. When I was about half way around the track, I looked back and it was breathtaking to see the sea of people. A friend quoted me as saying "they just keep coming" and they did! I've never seen so many people in one place at one time coming together to fight back against a common cause such as cancer.

I am thankful for having such a great support system of friends and family and for the entire community's support including the schools. The reaction of those who attended the event was nothing but positive and appreciative and I thank you all. I have gotten such wonderful letters from people, and I cannot tell you how much that means to me. Thank you once again, everyone, for all your help and support.

To make sure this adventure does not end, I have created the website http://www.kodakgallery.com/Welcome.jsp. Sign in with "cprelayforlife@yahoo.com" as the email address and then "cpfrogs" as the password. It will bring you to a photo album where we can all share and view pictures!

On June 11 at 7:30 p.m. in the Carle Place High School North Cafeteria we will be holding a wrap-up meeting for those receiving incentive gifts and to discuss what we can do differently next time. All are welcome!

As Lance Armstrong said, "If children have the ability to ignore all odds and percentages, then maybe we can all learn from them. When you think about it, what other choice is there but to hope? We have two options, medically and emotionally: give up, or fight like hell."

Our Carle Place community is a perfect example of fighting like hell!

Jenna-Lyn Zaino
Event Chair, Carle Place Relay for Life