Americans, Italians unite to fight against cancer

May 01, 2013 1661

AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy -- Rain washed away tears of loss as Americans stood side-by-side with their Italian brothers and sisters while they watched images of loved ones projected on a screen during a Luminaria Ceremony at this year's Relay for Life.

Members of the Aviano community - Italian and American - braved the thunderstorms April 27 to show that cancer affects all people, regardless of nationality. More than 2,600 volunteers gathered at the event, all working toward a common goal: fighting against cancer.

The 24-hour event raised $30,000, a record amount for Aviano, and every penny will go to the American Cancer Society to fund the search for a cure.

"This (weather) is symbolic of the fight against cancer," said Staff Sgt. Katelynn Brooks, event organizer for the past three years. "Cancer doesn't stop just because you're having a bad day and we're not going to stop either. We've had great support and a great turnout. The 24-hour walkers are still walking - they just put their umbrellas up and kept going. It just shows our spirit and our community."

Cinzia Scorzato, an Italian citizen of Aviano, recovered from thyroid cancer four years ago and walked the Survivor's Lap with her daughter, Elisa Borgobello.

"I feel so welcomed, I feel like today is my day," Scorzato laughed as she proudly displayed her survivor's sash. "Everyone has come here to celebrate life and I'm so happy."

During the Relay for Life, volunteers participate in the traditional Survivor's Lap, where cancer survivors walk triumphantly around the track to the cheering of fellow attendees, and the Luminaria Ceremony, where people remember those they have lost to cancer by viewing pictures of their loved ones and lighting a candle in their memory.

"The survivor lap is an emotional thing, even if you don't know anybody out there," said Brooks. "Seeing the fight that they went through and [knowing] they survived it.

"It's a proud moment."

While a Relay for Life may seem like a somber event, its true purpose is to celebrate the triumph of survivors and the lives of those lost. Over the last 28 years, it has developed into a fun event that brings communities together to fight against a common enemy.
"I think that most people would not want their loved ones to be upset and crying over their loss," said Brooks. "They would want them to remember the good things, the good times they shared together. I think that's the best part of the relay for me, to be able to celebrate the lives that were led whether or not they were able to survive.

"The lives they led were great and that's what we are celebrating today."

Each year, volunteers set up booths to sell homemade baked goods and meals, play games and find creative and fun ways to raise money for the cause. Scorzato, for instance, painted children's faces with cheerful images of Hello Kitty and other cartoon characters. Meanwhile, volunteers are entertained by live music and a disc jockey. One performer said he was playing for his mother, Jeanie Marie Brockman, who died from cancer in 2007.

"It means a lot to me to celebrate her life, to celebrate everything she stood for," said Tech. Sgt. Jeffrey Brockman, who performed with his band at the event. "It would mean so much if she were here, she would be so proud to see me on stage."

As the sun finally shone the next morning on the faces of those who had defied the weather, it seemed a sign that there is always hope--even when fighting against cancer.

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