YORKTOWN, N.Y. - Yorktown Athletic Club cheerleaders brought a ray of sunshine to a dreary Friday morning at a kickoff rally for the Relay for Life of Yorktown.
Thirty-six girls from third to seventh grade shouted "Purple Power!" and "Relay for Life!" on the sidewalk in front of the Yorktown Community and Cultural Center as part of Paint the Town Purple Day, which helps raise awareness for the American Cancer Society's overnight fundraiser June 8-9.
"It's a huge thing to have them here and show their spirit," said Jane McCarthy, co-chairman of Relay for Life of Yorktown. "They heard the thunder and rain and still came out. They didn't have school today so it was a bonus."
Volunteers also collected donations in the middle of purple-painted Commerce Street with a boot drive. Lending a hand was Yorktown Supervisor Michael Grace, a cancer survivor, who showed his appreciation to the cheerleaders and adult volunteers.
"It's absolutely fantastic. This is a very special event to the Town of Yorktown," Grace said. "I am a cancer survivor. I had cancer in my early 20s. I know what people go through. This kind of support is healing. It's not just the money that's raised."
Grace also applauded Relay for Life of Yorktown's plans to recognize caregivers of cancer patients June 8 at Jack DeVito Track and Field.
"I know how important it was to have the support of my family and friends. Caregivers are the silent victims and silent sufferers because they have to have a brave face," Grace said.
More information on Yorktown's efforts can be found at www.relayforlife.org/yorktownny.
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