'I'm Just So Grateful for My Life': Stories, Tears, Hope As Crowd Gathers for 'North Fork Relay for Life' Event

(See photo gallery below)

PECONIC, NY - Cathy Russo was busy wrapping up a production of "The Wedding Singer" that she'd co-produced at the North Fork Community Theatre in 2014 when she noticed a persistent stomachache.

The pain lasted a few days, but since it wasn't anything alarming, Russo said she normally wouldn't even have thought to go to the doctor.

But Russo said something motivated her. "I truly believe my mother sent me a message to go."

Her mother, Russo said, lost her life to colon cancer. And when she went to a walk-in physician, and later, to Peconic Bay Medical Center, Russo was told just six hours later that she had thickening in the colon and lesions in the liver indicative of metastasized colon cancer. Her diagnosis was Stage 4 colorectal cancer, Russo said.

"I never thought I'd get colon cancer," she said, adding that she'd been had regular colonoscopies since the age of 41 due to her mom's death.

She burst into tears when she learned that her first day of treatment was scheduled for September 30, the same day she lost her mother.

Quoting the lyrics from the "Godspell" song "Day by Day," Russo said that's how she approached the greatest challenge of her life, one day, one moment, at a time.

Her diagnosis, she said, gave her a greater appreciation for the beauty of living. "You never know what's going to happen. You must live for the present, as it is a gift."

When she learned that beautiful Kaitlyn Doorhy, 20 — who had her whole future before her — had died while away at college, Russo said the tragedy put everything in perspective. She may have been battling cancer at 59, but she said, "I still have a chance to fight this. Kaitlyn didn't get that chance."

Russo prayed for the chance to see her daughter Marissa graduate from college and was blessed to share that moment. She's had 34 rounds of chemo, one earlier in the day Friday before Relay for Life, but she said she'd learned that every day since diagnosis is considered a day of survival. "I stand before you, a 22-month survivor," Russo said, as tears fell.

She has also strengthened resolve in the knowledge that "Earth is temporary. We are only here for a little while."

And her mother, she said, is with her still. Just that morning, she found a feather, something she knows is a sign from her mother, atop her speech on the counter. "I know my mom was here," she said.

The youngest warrior

Also present was Samuel Duffy, 5, who lives in Greenport and was diagnosed last year with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. In March, the community came together in support of Sam, shaving their heads for the Sam's Heroes team during an event to benefit the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, with a goal of conquering childhood cancers.

Sam’s mother, Holly Lanzetta, said the Relay for Life event was important for her child, giving him a place to find the camaraderie of others sharing his battle. "Sam lost a friend recently. He was three years old. We're going to light a luminaria for him."

The two worked on the luminaria, writing, "This one's for you, Joey," on the white bag.

Sam said he enjoyed the event because his friend was there; the two ran and played happily on the field.

Suddenly, a survivor

Danielle Harrison-Meraz, who was diagnosed with cancer of the brain, liver, spleen, has touched the entire North Fork community with her positivity and forever grateful attitude.

After the Relay for Life event, she wrote on Facebook, "Up until a couple years ago I was on a team. Life got hectic and I took a break. Cancer doesn't take breaks. It doesn't get tired or weary. I now have a sash. Gotta admit I'm still fighting. Not fully surviving . . . yet. I went because Holly Weingart's family had a beautiful luminaria made up. I love them dearly. I pray for all of us with cancer and our caregivers, family and friends. I cried, and headed home. Never thought I'd wear that sash. Survivor? Grateful. Always."

Stories of loss, and survival

Barbara Szczotka of Peconic has had breast cancer two times, and is a 10-year survivor. "I am so grateful," she said.

Relay for Life events benefit the American Cancer Society, which, Szczotka said, helped her immensely after her diagnosis with information and support. "My grandmother had breast cancer, my mother had breast cancer, my sister has had breast cancer," she said.

But cancer sometimes strikes randomly. "No one in my family had breast cancer," said Chris Adipietro, a six-year survivor. "I am grateful to be alive," she said. "That's why this is so important to me. I'm just so grateful for my life."

Patty Menotti said her daughter Reanna was one of the girls performing with North Fork Cheer. "Cancer affects everyone," she said. "There's no one person who has not been touched by cancer. Everyone has a purpose here." She added that she lost her mother-in-law to cancer, and found it impossible to explain cancer to her grieving child.

Laura Stimpfel said her mother had breast cancer. "She didn't make it," she said; her mom lost her battle 10 years ago. But today, Stimpfel said, there is still no cure, and so it's important that events such as Relay for Life take place, to keep the battle ongoing toward eradication of the deadly disease. And, she said, "Survivors need to know that people care."

The event included live music, entertainment, a Chinese auction, and a survivors' reception and dinner with food donated by the Sound View Restaurant.

The first lap was for survivors; later, the luminarias were lit, illuminating the night in memory of loved ones who will never be forgotten.