Local Cancer Survivor Sought Relay Companions During Treatment

By John Voket

Pattiann Krehel may not have felt much like a cancer survivor three years ago when she attended Newtown’s first Relay For Life — she was undergoing treatment for her own cancer diagnosis at the time.

But like many participants in this record-breaking community event, the experience was something that helped Ms Krehel through her recovery and inspired her to continue pledging support for this annual fundraiser for the American Cancer Society (ACS).

“It was the most wonderful experience to have so many loving, caring people around me,” she wrote in a recent submission to Relay organizers. “You never felt alone, the whole evening was very inspiring to me and my family. The next year I really felt the desire to be apart of the Relay to help other survivors feel as great as I did.”

According to Relay co-chair Dawn Escoda, Ms Krehel is a perfect example of the individuals the Relay hopes to attract for its survivors’ activities, which includes a special lap around the Relay track and an exclusive reception at the site on the evening of June 9.

“We consider you a survivor the day you receive a diagnosis of cancer,” Ms Escoda said. “I understand the Relay may be last place you want to go in those early days and weeks of coming to grips with a cancer diagnosis. But many survivors who do come out say it is probably the first place newly diagnosed patients as well as long-term survivors can go to support one another and share the inspiring stories of survival and recovery.”

Like her mother before her, Ms Krehel is also a breast cancer survivor. And this year she has stepped up her involvement even further, volunteering for the Newtown Relay’s Survivor Committee.

“I feel honored to be apart of such a group of caring and supportive women,” she said. “Helping other survivors is what it is all about.”

Last year Ms Krehel and her family were part of the LifeSaver Team. The team captain, her friend Diana Paproski, is also a survivor.

“We both went through cancer together and became even closer than ever,” Ms Krehel said. “Diana is one of the most inspiring and positive women I have ever met.”

Last year the LifeSaver Team had about 15 members, including children who she said had a blast being there to help support the team and the event.

“The kids had fun selling food and fun items to raise money for the Relay,” Ms Krehel said. “Most of all the tent decorating was a great deal of fun. They can’t wait until this year’s Relay.”

Ms Escoda said the involvement of all local survivors is important because it provides continuing proof of the progress that has been made in improving cancer survival rates and the quality of life following cancer treatment.

Ms Krehel said she sees the Relay as a way to give back to fellow cancer survivors and their families locally, while contributing to the American Cancer Society’s global efforts to provide outreach and research dollars toward curing cancer.

“When I was going through my treatment I received so much information from ACS that helped me understand the medical as well as the emotional part of going through cancer,” she recalled. “They were there when I needed anything.”

Ms Krehel said as a survivor, she and her family will be walking the Survivor Lap together June 9.

“That is the most exciting part of the whole event, to see so many people cheering you on. Just seeing their smiling faces is all you need to feel great,” she said. “To anyone going through cancer today, or to any survivors, coming to the Relay will be the most comforting and inspiring time you can imagine. We will be there for you and your families.”

The Survivor Lap will be among the opening activities when the Relay steps off at 5 pm that day. Immediately following, all survivors are invited to the Newtown High School Cafeteria for a 6:30 reception, Ms Escoda said.

“Artie and Annie Praino, owners of Newtown Deli and Woodbury Deli, have graciously agreed again this year to provide dinner for the 300 attendees at the survivor reception,” Ms Escoda said. “Pepsi Bottling Group and Andrea’s Bakery will be providing beverages and dessert. This year’s theme is ‘Escape to Tuscany,’ and our committee is hard at work planning a wonderful evening for the survivors in our community.”

Ms Escoda and Ms Krehel said the Survivor Committee is looking for gift baskets to be raffled off at the reception.

“It is such a heartfelt gesture for a survivor to receive a gift of recognition from our caring community,” Ms Escoda said. “If anyone or any local business would like to donate a raffle basket, just give our committee chair a call at 270-1049.”

To sign up for the survivor reception, click on the local Relay website: acsevents.org/relay/ctnewtown or email relayforlifeofnewtown@yahoo.com.

For anyone interested in getting involved in the Relay as a volunteer or supporter, the next general organizing meeting is Wednesday, May 9, at 7 pm, in the Newtown High School Lecture Hall.