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Relay for Life steps off in Hampshire County |
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February 6, 2012
NORTHAMPTON — Jim Hannifan, who has lost three loved ones to cancer, is one of nearly 200 people who will participate in the American Cancer Society Relay for Life of Hampshire County kick-off breakfast on Feb. 11 at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish Hall, 10 Hawley St., from 9:30 a.m. to noon.
As a caregiver for both his parents and his wife during their battles with cancer, Hannifan was directly touched by the devastating effects of the disease. He assisted with his parents’ care for years until they passed away in the mid-2000s.
After his wife, Donna Reed, passed away from cancer in February 2009, Hannifan joined Donna’s friends and co-workers on a Relay team named “Donna’s Dawgs” in her honor. This year will be the fourth in a row that the team will participate in the Relay for Life.
“Seeing that our team has grown so much and has many fund-raising activities, we felt at least one of us should be part of the Relay committee,” said Hannifan, who last year joined the committee that organizes the event and this year agreed to serve as tri-chair.
The February kick-off is free and open to the public. A first-ever information fair at the event will highlight programs and services for cancer survivors and caregivers. Teams can register to participate in the Relay, and table space will be available so team members can begin fund-raising for this year’s Relay, which will take place on June 15 at 3 p.m.
To RSVP for the event, call Karen O’Brien at 493-2113.
Hannifan today cares for Donna’s two sons, whom he adopted in 2009 at her wishes.
The American Cancer Society Relay for Life is a life-changing event that gives everyone in communities across the globe a chance to celebrate the lives of people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and fight back against the disease.
At the Relay itself, teams of people will camp out at Look Memorial Park and take turns walking or running around the track.
For more information about the Relay for Life, go to its website at www.relayforlife.org/hampshirecountyma.
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