Cancer survivors and their supporters walked, ran, jumped — and even smooched pooches — to raise money for cancer research during the Relay for Life rally against cancer at Bergen Beach Fields on June 11. The day featured the typical cash-rasing stroll and a bounce house for kids, but participants also got to throw down $2 to kiss and hug puppies — something one cancer survivor said she just could not resist.
“I loved the kissing booth with the dogs. It was a really unique twist — I’ve never seen that done before,” said Grace Scotto, a stage-four lung cancer survivor.
About 300 hundred people showed up in support, and organizers raised $100,000 for cancer research at the one-of-a-kind event, one planner said.
“You can have fun and pay tribute — it’s a unique event in so many ways,” said co-chairman Joe Gillette.
Some participants credited their lives to cancer research that the relay helps fund — it was the only reason Scotto was able to come at all, she said.
“I’m alive today because of a research drug. The money raised for research — that’s why people like me continue to relay,” said Scotto.
Organizers placed 1,000 luminaries — small decorated white bags with candles inside — onto the field’s track and lit them at dusk as a tribute to the lives lost to cancer. Then they surprised some 60 survivors with gift bags and a dinner reception at nearby El Caribe.
