Relay for Life Walks Toward a Cure for Cancer

Nine months ago, James Caldwell High School juniors Cassie Caruso and Lisa Housel hatched the idea of holding a Relay for Life event at the school.

After almost a year of planning and anticipation, the two friends welcomed nearly 500 participants, including at least 44 teams, to the first event of its kind ever hosted by JCHS on Friday night.

In its 26th year, the Relay for Life came to the high school for the first time to help the American Cancer Society fight the disease.

"Lisa heard about it and when she came to me, it was a no-brainer," said Caruso, who added that they were part of the Lincoln Tunnel Run for Special Olympics in April of last year.

The pair worked with Lyndsey Parman, a Caldwell High School English teacher, and Principal Kevin Barnes, who presented the idea to the Caldwell-West Caldwell Board of Education.

Deirdre McGuinness, a staff partner with the American Cancer Society, credited the effort of the students, in particular, Caruso and Housel.

"They approached us," McGuinness said. "They did all the leg work."

The event began with the opening ceremonies Friday night at 6 p.m., and concluded Saturday morning at 7 a.m. 

"We have it all night because cancer does not sleep," McGuinness said. "We're showing cancer who is boss."

According to Caruso, the original goal was to have 500 participants with 50 teams and raise $50,000.

While they may have fallen just short of reaching 50 teams, they more than doubled the most important figure—contributions. According to Caruso, approximately $100,000 had already been raised before any participant even stepped on the track.

The night began with the survivors taking the first lap, led by the Essex County Emeralds Society bagpipe band, and then the caretakers joining in on the second lap.

During the welcoming ceremony, Caldwell High School student, Katie Aliotta, discussed her battle with cancer.

"I have celebrated eight birthdays since I was told at 6 1/2 of my diagnosis," she said. "We will continue the relay until we find a cure."

Finding a way for those diagnosed to celebrate more birthdays was one of the goals of the event.

"We want to create a world of more birthdays," Housel said.

At 9:30 p.m., the Luminaria Ceremony was held with candles lit around the track to recognize those who have been touched by cancer and a silent lap was held to honor all those who have battled cancer.

In addition, several area businesses like Cloverleaf Tavern, Forte's Pizzeria and Ristorante, Manhattan Bagel, Rockn' Joe, Ace Hardware and Fairfield-based Control Instruments helped sponsor the event and some even participated as a team.

One of the Relay for Life teams was some friends of Caruso and Housel who formed the Relaydees team.

"I think it is a real great cause," team member Jennifer Dul said. "My aunt had cancer and is a survivor."

Dul and teammates, who also included Brooke Isen and Andrea Mastropietro, were ready for the all-night event where at least one member had to be on the Bonnel Field track at all times.

"Yeah, we're pumped," said Dul, whose team was also raising money to fight cancer with a bake sale.

Other Relay for Life events have recently been held at Mount Saint Dominic and Montclair State University as well as in Nutley and West Orange.

West Caldwell Mayor Joseph Tempesta, who spoke during the opening ceremonies, hopes the event will return to JCHS next year.

"This is such a great community event for a great and worthy cause," he said. "I just want you to know from the bottom of my heart that the community outpouring here tonight, hopefully, will lead to a cure for this terrible disease and next year, hopefully, we'll have even more survivors here."

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