Small Town Displays a Big Heart at Relay for Life

Like every town and city across America Ocean Gate has been impacted by cancer, .a disease that knows no boundaries and in some way has affected all of us whether directly or indirectly.

This weekend the borough of just over 2,000 residents will host the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life. These fundraising and informative events are often held and supported by school districts on their football fields and tracks but in this case Kessler Rehabilitation Center is bringing the Relay to Life to the boardwalk and beach of Ocean Gate.

It all starts Friday at the Wildwood Avenue Pier with a survivors reception at 5:30 p.m. followed by the opening ceremonies and then a survivors lap. The evening will include a luminaria ceremony and those walking will do so on the one mile borough boardwalk which should make for a nice backdrop.  The overnight event will finish up at 6 a.m. Saturday.

Em Novellino, who I went to high school with is the Regional Marketing Director for Kessler Rehabilitation Center and spearheading the event with the support of Mayor Paul Kennedy and others.  Relay for Life is held annually in more than 5,000 communities and 27 countries and while it’s the signature fundraiser for the American Cancer Society it is also a way to celebrate those who have survived and are battling cancer and also thank the many caregivers who do so much.

If you can’t attend Friday’s Ocean Gate event but would like to show your support you can do so by donating at relayforlife.orgj.  If you want to lend a hand and volunteer then you can call Em Novellino at 732-996-0232.  Ocean Gate may be a relatively small community but on Friday night their residents will display a very big heart.