Wayne Cancer Survivors Bring Hope To Others At Relay For Life

WAYNE, NJ — Sandi Razen's son Jeffery died at the age of 33 of brain cancer.

He walked in the annual Relay For Life fundraiser every year. Now, his mother carries on his legacy five years after his death.

"I see hope when I'm here," said Razen, a uterine cancer survivor. "He was the strongest person I ever met, and we're continuing his legacy by walking."

Razen was among the nearly 700 people, including dozens of cancer survivors, who participated in the 13th annual Wayne Relay For Life fundraiser for the American Cancer Society Saturday afternoon into Sunday morning.

The annual event happens overnight at Wayne Valley High School. Cancer survivors and their caregivers always walk the first lap around the track. Then hundreds of others join them. Someone is always walking around the track all night until 6 a.m. the next morning, which signifies the never-ending battle people wage against cancer.

People slept at the school as dozens of tents were set up near the track.

A special lumanaria ceremony was held at 11 p.m. Saturday. The track was lined with personalized white bags. A light was placed in each bag. Bags were placed in the bleachers to spell out "hope."

Organizers wanted to raise $100,000 this year. As of Sunday night, $87,000 had been donated. Donations may still be made online until July 31.

Seventy students from Wayne Valley and Wayne Hills high schools planned, organized, and executed the event. Planning began in August.

Cassie Fierro, a Wayne Valley senior and one of the event's co-chairs, said she was very moved by hearing survivors' stories of living with, and defeating, cancer.

"People have just been coming up to me and sharing my stories of survival," Fierro said. "They've really touched my heart."

Here is a Facebook live video of the opening ceremony and first lap.

Email: daniel.hubbard@patch.com