First Selectman and State Senator Help to Prevent Cancer

Branford First Selectman Jamie Cosgrove and State Senator Ted Kennedy Jr. joined forces along with over 100 community members to celebrate life at the annual American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Shoreline. The program is designed to raise funds and awareness to help free the world from the pain and suffering of cancer.

The ceremony “Sporting for a Cure” was held on May 13, 2017 at Walsh Intermediate School in Branford. Money raised will help the American Cancer Society provide free information and support for people facing the disease today, and fund cancer research that will help protect future generations. A poem was read by 12-year old cancer survivor, Erica Finnegan of North Haven, entitled “I Walk.”

This year’s Relay for Life was co-chaired by Tammy Becker of the Shoreline Area Chamber of Commerce and Kristina Nigro of Canine Company. Together they led a volunteer leadership team that included Richard Bower, Sharon Bower, Robin Goeler, Jim Harrison, Sean Kennedy and John Moniello. The event has a goal of $60,000 and they are still seeking donations to achieve it. To make a tax-deductible contribution, go to www.RelayForLife.org/ShorelineCT.

The top five teams were Hold On To Hope, Creeker’s for a Cure, United Methodist Church of Branford, We Are The Millers, and Miles for Smiles. The top five individuals were Suzanne Holt, Eileen Perillo, Sydney Scott, Christine Miller, and Ruby Lawrence.

Local sponsors included Francis Walsh Intermediate School and PowerStation Events. Businesses that supported this Relay For Life with in-kind contributions included: AAA of Southern New England, Beau Studio, Big Y – Branford, Bill’s Seafood, Capello Day Salon, Cheri’s Bakery, Chips Pub III, Friend’s & Company Restaurant, Golden State Tans, Guilford Rotary, Hands Down, La Cucina, Lynn’s Deli, Petonito’s Bakery, Merle Norman, Myers Flower Shop, Possessions, RJ Automotive, Staples, Shoreline Chamber of Commerce, Shoreline Public Works, Stony Creek Urgent Care, Tactical Communications, Tuxis Lumber Co., Thimble Island Brewery and others.

As the largest voluntary health organization in the world, the American Cancer Society is passionately committed to saving lives and ending suffering from cancer. The Society is helping people stay well, helping people get well, finding cures, and fighting back. Thanks in part to this work, more than 14 million cancer survivors and countless others who have avoided the disease will celebrate a birthday this year.