Wilmington Relay for Life Opens Friday With Three Generations of Cancer Survivors

This year Relay For Life’s opening ceremony will feature three generations of women who have fought cancer and won.  The event that honors them and the other survivors will also tell the story of the caregivers who help to pull them through it all.  Relay begins at 5:30 PM on Friday at the Wilmington Middle School.

Representing two generations, Wilmington’s Donna Laquidara and her daughter Kim Lind will be speakers at the Survivor Ceremony which is part of the Relay opening.  Laquidara is an 11-year survivor of breast cancer, and Lind is a 5-year survivor. And the third generation will be right there with them, Dorothy Sheehan, Laquidara’s mother. 

Their story is one of hope and triumph and of what you can learn when faced with adversity. It is also the story of love, strength, and support from those around you.  Jack Laquidara, Donna’s husband, cared for his wife, his daughter, and his mother-in law during their struggles.  And Sheehan, now 85, has had cancer three times.

The Laquidara family has been regular participants in Relay. For 2014 they have organized a 13-person team.  “This year we are honoring my nephew and friend, Wayne Fleury,” explains Laquidara.  “Our team, Wayne's Wicked Warriors, is named in his honor, and I hope to stop others from suffering with any form of cancer.”

Anyone wishing to join the Relay for Life ceremonies is welcomed to attend.  It is open to the public.  And there is still time to join a team or build your own for this night of celebrating and remembering.  There’s music, food, and games for all ages.  For more information about the fun-family event, visit www.wilmingtonrfl.com. 

The previous article was submitted by Relay for Life Wilmington.