Meet the Matt Pack

Though the tents are packed away and the candles have burned down, the spirit of Relay for Life is still abuzz around town.  Saturday, May 21, High Plains in Orange hosted Relay for Life for the second year in a row.  Many families and friends came out to support the significant and meaningful event. 

While everybody tries to do their part in finding a cure, one group of participants stands out year after year.  Though just five years old, The Matt Pack has made leaps and bounds in the walk against cancer. 

Mary Shaw, an Orange resident and mother of two, started The Matt Pack in 2007 with a friend who worked for the American Cancer Society.  This endeavor was to remember her father who died of cancer in 1995, as well as to honor her husband who was diagnosed in 2007 as well as the many others battling cancer.  This was two years before Mary was diagnosed with cancer in 2009. 

Matt Shaw believes Relay for Life is a “great time to get people together.  I’m sorry to say cancer hit all of us in one way or another, but Matt Pack takes the time to recognize and honor those who fight and those we lost.”

Relay for Life is a culmination of efforts and motivations and inspirations.  The Matt Pack is not short of any of these elements.  Every year they grown and in turn contribute more. 

“The first year we probably had 15 people—just really close family and friends,” Mary said, “but it was probably the most meaningful one.”  The spirits and passion captured in the first year continue to fuel The Matt Pack in the subsequent years.  Though the event has morphed and grown into something bigger and greater, Mary reflects well upon when it all started, warmly stating, “nothing beats the first one. Ever.”

It was in the mindset and drive from the Matt Pack’s debut in 2007 that continues to push their team to the top of the earnings.  In the winter Ann Smith, Mary’s sister, organizes a bowling fundraiser for The Matt Pack. 

“That’s it, “ said Mary, “It puts us on the leader boards.” 

Ann Smith plays a huge role in the Matt Pack’s success with her intense dedication and eye for achievement. This year alone the fundraising event at Woodlawn Bowling in West Haven raised $4700.  Another fundraiser at Material Girls in Orange took place this year, spearheaded by Tina Guiliano.  The dedication to the cause year round is what makes The Matt Pack and Relay for Life such important entities.

A key member of The Matt Pack and long-time family friend, John Guiliano started helping Relay for Life by assisting with the stage.  He has been involved since the beginning and is honored to see the growth and progress.  John deems it a really great event and team of which he is profoundly proud.  “It’s a good feeling to know you’re contributing to such a great cause,” Guiliano states.  He believes it’s about the experience and understanding what it’s all about.

With all the little kids running around The Matt Pack tent, making luminaries and jewelry for sale, it’s touching to see just what a family event this really is.  Cancer affects everybody, and though this is sickeningly sad, one good thing that comes from it is the bonds and togetherness it forges and solidifies.  Nobody is in this fight alone. 

“It’s not just for me,” Matt explained, “but for everybody who suffered.”  This event is so people can make a difference.  Mary said she does not want her kids to have to deal with this.  “It makes you feel like, in a helpless situation, you can do something positive.”  And that’s what Relay for Life is all about.

The Matt Pack is the embodiment of the Relay for Life spirit.  Together, they’ve proved you can accomplish great things in light of the ill-fated circumstances.  The fundraising events they do throughout the year along with their continued efforts and positive spirits truly do make a difference. 

In 2010 they raised over $10,000 for the American Cancer Foundation coming in at number two for the most money raised in Orange Relay for Life.  This year they came in second place raising more than $7,000.  Over the past 5 years The Matt Pack has donated more than $35,000 to Relay for Life. 

“It’s just a great tribute,” said Matt. 

Mary waves off rumors of The Matt Pack’s retirement on a five-year milestone by simply saying, “I’ll always be involved. I’ll always come out and support the event.” 

The Matt Pack is more than a cleverly named team—they are a family.  Together they take steps towards a better future for all those affected by cancer—they certainly have not walked away from the problem.  They have proven nobody walks alone in this.