Fifth Annual HHH Relay for Life Arrives

Relay for Life recognizes the fight against cancer that millions of Americans have had to face, bringing together those currently fighting cancer, survivors, their families and communities as a whole.

On Sunday from noon- 6 p.m., Half Hollow Hills residents will come together at for the area’s fifth annual relay to raise money and awareness.

According to Gabrielle Traina, one of the event’s four co-chairs, 2011 has been a down year for raising funds. The relay raised $87,000 for the American Cancer Society in 2010 but it had only made it to $20,000 with less than two weeks to go.

“We’re having a low turnout. It’s a tough year, whether it’s the economy, or just everybody running in a million directions,” Traina said. “But unfortunately, cancer doesn’t stop because of the economy… it’s out there, and everyone is touched.”

To get involved, Traina said anyone can come the day of the event with a $20 donation to register or visit Half Hollow Hills’ section on the relay website.

Traina said she lost her sister to brain cancer and that many in the community have dealt with similar losses.

“It’s brought so much awareness to the community and I have people that came as a family with their younger kids because we tried to get the kids aware and bring them and get them involved," she said. "[People] really felt like they were doing something, whether they raised $5 or $500, they felt that they’re trying to make a difference."

“Together, as a community, I think you feel more powerful," Traina added.

Josephine Facilla, a secretary at Sunquam Elementary School, is a three-time cancer survivor. In the past decade she said she has beat uterine, breast, and skin cancer.

“[The relay] means everything, quite honestly,” Facilla said.

“I want to raise money to help find a cure, I want the future that cancer is not a word in anybody’s vocabulary… it’s life. It’s living. And that’s what it means to me, that everybody has to fight to live, and fight for a cure.”

Facilla said she believes the relay helps those with cancer and their families through community support.

“It makes people aware to look out for themselves. It gives support to people like me. It gives support to the caregivers… the caregivers are a very important part of my life,” she said. “For the community to come together like that, I think it’s a beautiful, beautiful thing.”