Storm Clouds Clear for Relay for Life

Emily Bowler, a sophomore at , walked for her mother who had breast cancer, and her aunt who died from having cancer. Regina Davenport, a John Jay High School parent, walked for a brother-in-law and two cousins who were diagnosed with cancer. Lorey Leddy of South Salem walked in part to celebrate five years of being free of an invasive form of breast cancer.

All three participated in the Friday night—which, after weather-related fits and starts, got underway shortly after 8 p.m. and continued until Saturday morning.

Participants walked laps around the track from dusk util dawn in a symbolic trek meant to represent the physical and emotional struggles individuals and their caregivers have with cancer.

"We all have our reasons to support the Relay for Life," said Jessica Wood-Kelley, a resource room teacher at and Relay team member. "We all know someone who has fought the fight or lost their life to cancer."

The event's inauguration in Katonah-Lewisboro was largely due to the driving force of a JJHS junior who lost her grandmother to blood cancer three years ago and afterwards participated in a Relay for Life event in Chappaqua. Tragically, Antonelle's father was diagnosed with brain cancer two years ago. While he fought the disease, she sprang into action to bring the Relay to her community. Her father died just ten months ago.

Over the past year, Antonelle has been working with the American Cancer Society to stage a relay in Lewisboro. r, along with Megan McGrady, the staff partner from the Westchester Cancer Society.

On Friday night, the thunder and rain didn't dampen her spirit for the event.

"I wish it was sunny, but the fact that no one has left and people are hanging around in this rain shows the power of the Relay and how much people hate cancer," she said.

Another participant was Lisa Preddice, who last year had just finished her chemotherapy treatment for breast cancer when she moved to Goldens Bridge and heard about the Relay for Life coming to town.

"It was good timing," said Preddice, of the opportunity to meet people in her community and work on an event that raised funds and awareness a disease that affected her life so personally.

After two thunder delays, the opening ceremonies kicked off around 8:30 p.m. Cancer survivors led the opening lap, followed by team members walking the high school track throughout the night.

"The weather doesn't even matter," said Davenport, a leader for the K-L Posse team, which ended up as the event's number two fundraising team. "The point is to raise money, awareness and bring people together—we've done that."

According to the ACS website, the K-L Relay for Life raised over $150,000 in pledges and donations, though after the mini-fundraisers and luminaria bag sales are tallied, figures are expected to climb over $175,000, according to organizers.

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Did you participate in the Relay? Whom did you walk for? What did the event mean to you? Share your stories and photos here.