South Orange Family Sees Cancer Research, Fundraising Dollars at Work

The Rexford family -- also known to the American Cancer Society as Never Give Up / Never Surrender -- has seen their fundraising dollars at work. Sue and Craig Rexford, whose Relay for Life team has been the highest fundraising team for the past two years, were invited to Princeton to see biochemical research at work. 

"It was wonderful," says Sue Rexford. Husband Craig, Relay's top fundraiser for the past two years, has been cancer-free for three years.  He will be celebrating his sixtieth birthday with a party at Relay -- and with meaningful fundraising. This year's Relay for Life in West Orange will be on June 8. 

When the Rexfords met biochemists at work on cancer treatments, Sue Rexford recalls, "The American Cancer Society had me for life." She and her husband met scientists at work. "We felt that we were in the presence of the cure," she recalls.

For the Rexfords, the Relay is a family event. Their nine-year-old daughter has a team, and has participated for the last two years.  She and her parents stay overnight at the West Orange High School event in June, along with dozens of other teams fundraising and having fun.

Craig Rexford looks forward to walking the survival lap each year; in addition, the Rexfords' daughter lights luminaria in memory of her grandmother who had cancer. 

"It's a great evening," says Rexford. "We look forward to seeing many of our South Orange - Maplewood friends. It's wonderful."

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