Rockland teen helping to save lives from cancer through Relay For Life

As a 17-year-old Tappan Zee High School student, Kaitlin Moloney learned how much cancer can change your life at a young age.  Kaitlin’s father was diagnosed with pancreatic in December of 2010, when she was just 15 years old.  “When I first found out about my dad having cancer, I was shocked.  At the time, I believed that he would beat it because I didn't know that pancreatic cancer did not have much of a survival rate. When I found out that it was terminal, I was absolutely crushed and I didn't know what to do with myself. It was coming up on my sweet 16 and I realized that he wouldn't get to be there on the day of my party,” she said.  “My dad was the strongest man I knew, and seeing him slowly pass away was very hard. I know that he was in a lot of pain, but he was trying to hide it.” 

Kaitlin’s father passed away in September of 2011.  “It was very hard for my whole entire family and all of my dad’s friends,” she said.  “I do not want anyone to go through what my family went through.” 

One day at school, she heard about the Tappan Zee Youth Against Cancer club, a group of students from the school who raises funds for the American Cancer Society Relay For Life.  “When I heard about it over the announcements, I wanted to be a part of the club because I didn’t want anyone else my age to go through what I went through my sophomore and junior year of high school,” Kaitlin said.  The group, under the leadership of Mrs. Flagg, has conducted a variety of fundraisers for the American Cancer Society Relay For Life including Hands on a Van, a 5k walk in memory of Kaitlin’s father, selling "One More Birthday" bracelets and selling pin wheels to blow away cancer. 

“My whole family is still coping and we really want to get the word out to raise money for cancer. Also, my aunt was diagnosed with breast cancer a few years ago. Cancer has been a big part of my family and I want to do anything that I can to help stop it,” she said. 

In June, Kaitlin, along with her fellow Youth Against Cancer members, will be taking to the track at Relay For Life to fight back against cancer.  “Relay For Life to me means a chance to help other families, so that they won't go through the same thing I did. It is hard being a little boy or girl knowing that your mom or dad won't be around for important life events. I also want to raise awareness and help raise money so less people go through what my dad went through.  I want cancer to be beat!” she said. 

Relay For Life is a fun-filled, overnight event that mobilizes communities throughout the country to celebrate survivors, to remember loved ones lost and to raise money for the fight against cancer.  Each event will have a special lap honoring cancer survivors, a Luminaria Ceremony to remember those we have lost, and activities and entertainment for the whole family.  Individuals are encouraged to sign up and join us at one of the events happening this month in Rockland County on June 8 at Rockland Community College on June 14 at the Central Avenue Field in Pearl River. 

“I think people need to be more involved in Relay because cancer can affect anyone.  Most people know someone that has had cancer or have had cancer themselves.  If more people get involved, we can help save lives from cancer.”

To form a team or to register as a survivor or individual, please visit www.relayforlife.org/rocklandny or www.relayforlife.org/orangetownny or contact the American Cancer Society at 845-440-2521. 

Relay For Life of Rockland County
June 8-9, 2013
1 pm – 6 am
Rockland Community College
www.relayforlife.org/rocklandny

Relay For Life of Orangetown
June 14-15, 2013
7 pm – 7 am
Central Avenue Field in Pearl River
www.relayforlife.org/orangetownny