Organizers Preparing For 5th Annual Relay For Life

American Cancer Society marking 100th anniversary this summer.

(Editor's note: The following information was submitted by the organizers of the Wilmington Relay for Life.) This summer the Relay for Life of Wilmington and the American Cancer Society have much to celebrate.  The Relay came to Wilmington 5 years ago, and the American Cancer Society came to being 100 years ago.  Together local events and this national organization have made great strides in fighting back against cancer.  Wilmington’s fifth Relay For Life will be held June 14-15 from 5:30 pm until 6:30 am at Shawsheen Valley Technical School.  Since its beginning in 2009, Wilmington has raised $611,000.  Those funds help people get well and stay well by supporting research to find cures and funding services such as rides to treatments. In …

•  5 Comments
• Photos (1)

Bill Gilman

10:31 pm on Monday, April 8, 2013

A comment has been removed from this stream for violating terms of service.   more ›

Kick Off Event Planned for Wilmington Relay for Life

The Mardi Gras event is scheduled for February 12 at Wilmington Middle School.

Editor's Note: The following information by Relay for Life. Wilmington’s American Cancer Society Relay for Life will be celebrating Mardi Gras and kicking off their 2013 campaign at 6:30 p.m. on Feb 12. “Let the Good times Roll” is this year’s theme for the annual charity event, and the good times begin that night. The public is invited to attend the party. The Kick Off celebration will be held at the Wilmington Middle School cafeteria.   Frank Kelley, long time Wilmington resident and prominent citizen, will be the featured speaker. Kelley was the founder of the Wildcat track and field program, and he continues to support the team as a volunteer coach.  The evening includes food, music, and plenty of fun. Details of this year’s Relay will…

• Photos (1)

Flashback Friday

Do You Recognize This Class of 1995 Member?

If you have a resident you'd like to see as our next Flashback Friday, e-mail their name and year of graduation to matthew.schooley@patch.com.

When he was a senior at Wilmington High School, Joe Martiniello wrote in his yearbook quote that his goal in the future was to "make a difference in the world." With several Relay for Life events in the books and hundreds of thousands of dollars raised to help fight cancer, it's safe to say this member of the Class of 1995 has accomplished that goal. Martiniello is the event chairman for Wilmington's Relay for Life, but 17 years ago he was a cross country runner, a track athlete and a Wilmington High School graduating senior. In addition to his participation in sports, Martiniello was a member of Students Against Destructive Decisions, Peer Leadership, Prom Committee and more. Do you have a recognizable member of the Wilmington community …

•  2 Comments
• Photos (6)

VIDEO: Community Unites at Relay for Life

Friday event raised over $125,000 for American Cancer Society.

The number of participants was slightly down for this year's Relay for Life, but the amount of donations continues to amaze event organizers. Friday night's event capped fundraising efforts for the year that raised $125,000 for the American Cancer Society. That brings Wilmington's total during the four years it's run the event to more than $500,000. Participants walked throughout the night, participated in theme laps and listened to inspirational speakers. “There are too many victims in this battle, and we have to keep the faith, stay strong and hope for cancer to be something from the past,” said featured speaker Tricia Lambert. “We cannot and will not let it get the best of us.”  

•  9 Comments
• Videos (1)

Lennie Malvone

5:37 pm on Tuesday, June 19, 2012

As a Spouse Of a person who at this moment is dealing with Stage 4 Cancer with metastisis I find that a simple congratulations to the participents who walked their hearts out for friends and loved ones either afflicted with this dread disease or worse lost the battle to it is in order. Any postings on cause and effect very much inappropriate especially from a person who is not qualified to make …   more ›

Wilmington Relay for Life Kicks off Friday Night

Event slated for Shawsheen Technical High School at 5:30 p.m.

The venue for tonight’s Relay for Life is different. But the inspirational nature of the event remains the same. Gates at Shawsheen Technical High School open at 5:30 p.m. on Friday for the overnight event that brings hundreds of cancer survivors and supporters together to raise money for the American Cancer Society. This year’s theme is Disney’s When You Wish Upon a Star, and there are new additions to the lineup in addition to the usual festivities, including live musical performances. As part of the evening, the top fundraising teams will be acknowledged for their efforts with awards. According to a press release from Wilmington Relay for Life, the top team as of early this week was Sole Sistas, a team that surpasses $13,000. “We need …

•  1 Comment
• Photos (10)

Relay for Life Laughing Towards a Cure

Relay for Life hosts comic R-rated hypnotist at Friday fundraising event.

Cancer is no laughing matter. But on Friday night, members of Wilmington’s Relay for Life team welcome guests to laugh the night away at the Billerica Elks Club. The group hosts comic R-rated hypnotist Frank Santos, Jr., at 7 p.m. with all proceeds to benefit the local Relay for Life team. Team member Karen Grabowski said the organization found Santos when they attended a Reading High School softball fundraiser last year. “(Santos) brought many of us to tears as we were laughing so hard,” said Grabowski. “Local residents should come to our fundraiser as this will be another chance to laugh and spend time with friends and family and support a great cause all at the same time.” There will also be raffles, snacks and a cash bar at the event. …

•  1 Comment
• Photos (1)
• Documents (1)

Relay for Life Announces New Venue at Kick Off Event

Due to high school construction, Wilmington's Relay for Life will take place at Shawsheen Tech.

Editor's Note: The following information was provided by Sheryl Walsh, Media Relations Director for Relay for Life of Wilmington. Relay For Life of Wilmington officially began its fourth year with a Kickoff Celebration on Tuesday. The Planning Committee presented an overview of this year’s event which will be held Friday, June 15. Added and expanded Relay features were introduced by co-chairs Joe Martiniello and Patrick Giroux as they also announced this year’s them, “Wish Upon a Star.”  The Disney based tag line symbolizes the hope and spirit of Relay For Life.  Joining Wilmington’s 2012 American Cancer Society sponsored event will be Boston radio personality, Mark "Cali" Calandrello of CBS Radio. He was the featured guest speaker for the…

• Photos (1)

Relay for Life Kicks Off Efforts Tuesday Night

Kick Off Celebration 2012 takes place at 6:30 p.m. inside Wilmington High School.

Editor's Note: The Following information was provided by Sheryl Walsh, Media Relations Director for Relay of Life Wilmington. Wilmington’s American Cancer Society Relay for Life, set to be held June 15-16, is forecasted to easily surpass the half million dollar mark with this year’s celebratory event. But residents don't have to wait until the summer to participate. The experience begins on Tuesday, Jan. 31 at 6:30 p.m. with Kick Off Celebration 2012 at Wilmington High School. Details of this year’s Relay will be presented, and attendees will also have a chance to learn more about Relay For Life in general.     Relay For Life came to Wilmington in 2009 and continues to grow each year. Entertainment and activities have expanded annually and…

• Photos (2)
• Videos (1)

Relay for Life: Celebrating Survival

Local teams prepare to raise money for cancer research.

One June 17-18, Wilmington will host its third annual Relay for Life Event at Wilmington High School. While the main goal of the event is to raise money for cancer research, the Relay for Life is about much more than just fundraising.  A two-day event with teams walking the track throughout the night, Relay for Life is meant to represent the fact that cancer never breaks for sleep. A tribute to life and survival, Relay for Life is a community event meant to bring people together. “Relay for Life is a festive occasion,” Sheri Walsh, head of media relations said. “Yes, there are poignant and moving moments throughout the event, but it truly is a celebration.” Thanks to the incredible support from local talent, businesses and residents …

• Photos (8)