LIGHTS OF HOPE Luminarias shine on cancer survivors, victims, caregivers
CRANBERRY TWP — Ernie Mashuda Drive twinkled Saturday night with the light of almost 1,500 luminarias.
Cars with cancer survivors, patients and caregivers wound through Cranberry Township Community Park to participate in a Relay for Life luminaria ceremony — planned after the traditional Relay for Life was canceled because of COVID-19.
“We're pretty much taking up the whole park,” said Doni Matrone, community development manager for the American Cancer Society. “It really blew me away to see the community come together more than it has in the past.”
In a typical year, the Relay for Life would be bigger. The event, held annually to raise money for the American Cancer Society, would include special ceremonies, a walk, survivor and caregiver recognitions, tent stops and an evening luminaria display.
This is the 17th year for Cranberry Township's Relay for Life. Volunteers didn't want to let the year pass without offering the community a commemorative event.
“We normally would hold a much ... larger event that would last literally the entire day,” Matrone said. “What it came down to was we wanted something where everyone was safe.”“Cancer doesn't take a break,” said Lois Becker of Baden. “Why should we?”Becker's husband, Paul, has been a cancer survivor for 31 years. Her daughter, Amy Fuller, brought Relay for Life to Cranberry Township.Becker said her family has been involved with Relay for Life almost since Paul was diagnosed.“When it hits your family, it's a family issue,” Becker said.Alan Wolf is a Cranberry Township resident, event leader and two-time cancer survivor. He's volunteered with Relay for Life since 2013, between being diagnosed with colon cancer and diagnosed with liver cancer.For him, the luminarias are about hope as much as remembrance.“I hope (our visitors) take and cherish the fact that we're trying to celebrate and remember survivors,” Wolf said.Survivors who drove through the luminarias Saturday were invited to stop at a special station for a “survivor swag bag.”Wolf said hundreds of dollars-worth of gift cards, shirts and other merchandise were donated by local businesses to support survivors during their journey.“(It's) a lot,” Wolf said.The luminarias opened to visitors around 7:30 p.m., but preparing for the event started weeks ago.For Wolf, one of the hardest parts of pulling it off was trying to coordinate with other volunteers virtually.Virtual platforms ended up helping to spread the word about the luminarias. Matrone said lighted bags were sponsored from as far away as Finland.“The light … symbolizes the unity we have,” Matrone said. “It is just honestly breathtaking.”About a half-hour before the event, volunteers dropped glow sticks into each bag. The bags were decorated with the names of survivors, patients, pictures and words of encouragement.Volunteers working out of Cranberry Township helped raise $76,188 by the time the event began. Matrone said donations will be collected through the end of August.Matrone said those working for Relay for Life in the Cranberry/Zelienople area are active and dedicated.“They work around the clock to find ways to fundraise,” Matrone said. “We want to lead the fight for a world without cancer.”The luminarias weren't for survivors alone. They also celebrated caregivers.Becker said when her husband was diagnosed, she watched people pull away.Friends didn't know how to talk about Paul's diagnosis or help his family cope. Because community is important to the healing process, Becker said it was painful to see.“I made a vow then that I would never back away from someone who has cancer,” Becker said.Caregivers are vital to every patient's journey.“I wouldn't be here without my family,” Wolf said. “My wife (Ellie) was my strongest supporter.”It's too early to know just how far this year's luminarias reached. Matrone hopes the Relay for Life will be able to return to its usual format next year.But if it's unable to, volunteers know the luminarias did have an impact. The light of 1,500 luminarias, after all, will shine through even the darkest night.“Cancer is not the end-goal,” Wolf said. “Surviving is.”
