Provident Bank executive Gail Godesky is on a mission. She wants the 2015 American Cancer Society (ACS) Bayonne Relay for Life at DiDomenico-16th Street Park this weekend to be as successful as the previous eight held in the city. But more than that, she wants to see cancer beaten.
Godesky has put out a call to participants and contributors: Come and support our cause this week and to the end of July.
The Relay for Life is an overnight event that is the culmination of a year’s worth of activities to raise funds for cancer research and treatment. It begins Friday, May 29 at 6 p.m. with registration and ends the following morning at 7.
In between, there will be a number of activities that residents and others can participate in. A ceremony held there will honor the city’s cancer survivors, as well as memorialize those who have died.
“I am sure that everyone in the city has been touched in one way or another by this terrible disease called cancer,” Godesky said. “Relay for Life needs your help.”
Usually the Bayonne effort includes about 500 participants. But this year the number was below 200 just a week before the event. And the fundraising goal of $100,000 set by the ACS was not close to being met.
Godesky has said that even donations of a $1 or $2 can be more impactful than most people realize. If everyone in Bayonne gave just $1 that would add up to $65,000, or two thirds the way toward the goal. If each resident gave $2, the group would easily surpass its goal, with $130,000.
But understanding that not everyone has the capability to give even $1 or $2, Godesky said that any donation is helpful and appreciated.
“Cancer’s not going anywhere. There’s no cure for it yet. So we have to fight against it and support the research.” – Diane Lesiak
____________
Godesky lost her mother, sister, and uncle to cancer.
“I just want this to be the last year we have to raise money for it,” she said. “Research is getting closer and closer, and if we could find a cure, that would be wonderful.”
Godesky’s cousin, Diane Lesiak started “Everyday Angels,” a Relay for Life group, in honor of Godesky’s sister, Lori Starke, who died at 49 from cancer.
“Since then we’ve lost three family members,” Lesiak said. “Our uncle, her mother, and my father. It’s devastated our family. Cancer’s not going anywhere. There’s no cure for it yet. So we have to fight against it and support the research. It touches everyone at some point in their life. I don’t think there’s one person who isn’t affected by it.”
Lesiak’s squad has raised nearly $100,000 over the last eight years.
Joanne Baran, chair of the Bayonne Relay for Life Survivor Committee, beat breast cancer after being diagnosed in 2005.
“I joined in 2006 for myself, and for the rest of my family, who have survived cancer,” Baran said. “Come out and support me and the other cancer survivors in Bayonne and Jersey City.”
“Bank Night” was held on May 20 at the Bayonne Community Bank, where teams brought in donations, picked up their shirts, and were assigned their campsites for Relay for Life. A first check was issued to the American Cancer Society for Bayonne’s event. The money went toward the 2015 Bayonne goal.
The city of Bayonne, Bayonne Community Bank, Provident Bank, CarePoint Health, Winners of Bayonne, and the Jersey City Medical Center are among the biggest sponsors of the event.
Godesky said that one of the poignant parts of the Relay for Life program is Friday night when it gets dark and a Luminaria Ceremony is held. Candles are lighted inside personalized bags and placed around the relay track as glowing tributes to those affected by cancer. A bag can be purchased in a friend or family member’s honor for $10.
Donations toward the 2015 Bayonne Relay for Life fund can be made up until July 31. Visit relayforlife.org and make a donation to “Bayonne’s Relay for Life.”
Joseph Passantino may be reached at JoePass@hudsonreporter.com.To comment on this story online visit www.hudsonreporter.com. To comment on this story online visit www.hudsonreporter.com.