Two major fundraisers are being planned in North Haven to fight cancer.

The first will support the St. Baldrick’s Foundation on St. Patrick’s Day, starting at 5 p.m. at the North Haven Middle School,

“Did you know that more children die of childhood cancer than any other disease?” So says the local website for the NHMS event, organized by Susan Wilson, a NHMS Social Studies teacher. St. Baldrick’s, a combination of “St. Patrick” and “bald,” has coordinated hundreds of head-shaving events across the nation since its inception in March 2000. Last year, the local NHMS staff and students raised more than $15,000, as hundreds of residents gathered in the gymnasium to cheer for over 70 volunteers, or “shavees,” who had their heads shaved for a good cause.

Dr. Bernie Siegel, a nationally known motivational speaker, addressed the crowd last year and assured his audience that there is always light at the end of the tunnel. He said if you choose that light, your life will be much brighter because of it, adding, “Accept the fact that you’re mortal, but don’t dwell on death.” He urged his listeners to “Keep that kid in you alive.” In order to sponsor a competitor or to make a donation, you may contact Susan Wilson by phone (203-239-1683) or by e-mail at wilson.susan@north-haven.k12.ct.us.

The second fundraiser is for the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life at Quinnipiac University in Hamden the weekend of June 26-27.

Although the event at the middle school is only in its second year, the Hamden/North Haven Relay for Life is celebrating its 10th anniversary. Melissa Brochu, community executive for the American Cancer Society, said recently, “Every lap counts at the Relay for Life.” Brochu implored North Haven residents to form a team to help “raise the vital funds needed to help find a cure for cancer while taking part in a celebration of cancer survivorship.”

Brochu added, “It is fair to say that there has been little involvement from North Haven in the past.” Pointing out that the local effort is intended to be a joint venture between the two neighboring towns, she said that she has been disappointed that the vast majority of participants seem to only come from Hamden.

With a goal to increase team participation from North Haven, Brochu addressed the North Haven Rotary Club recently. Joined by the newly-appointed coordinator for the local Relay competition, Stephen Smith, the two speakers challenged the membership to sponsor a team and requested that the word be spread to other clubs and businesses that the community’s increased involvement is critical if the invaluable program has any hope for expansion in the area. Both representatives are open to speak to any organization interested in finding a cure.

The cancer society’s literature states, “Relay for Life is the American Cancer Society’s signature activity that takes place in thousands of communities nationwide. This unique, overnight, community event allows individuals from all walks of life to join in the fight against cancer. Funds raised benefit American Cancer Society programs of research, education, advocacy, and local patient services.” Yale University is one of the major recipients of cancer research funding. With the planned expansion of Quinnipiac University’s medical facilities and curriculum offerings in North Haven, they may also one day become a beneficiary of this crucial research funding.

A kickoff celebration for the local Relay was held at the Senior Center in Hamden last week and the numbers heavily favored Hamden. Nonetheless, Brochu was quite proud to announce that the annual event has raised $1,504,680 over the past nine years and has grown from 21 teams to over 70 teams last year. Although a few team members must be available to walk the event track throughout the night, members may walk any amount of time and whenever it is convenient for the individual. A team captain makes the assignments and the financial sponsorship of walkers is the key element for success.

In addition to a keynote address at the kickoff, attendees were treated to a variety of refreshments, a scavenger hunt that introduced the members of the local Relay Committee, a film about the invaluable nature of the cause itself, and a free raffle. The special guest speaker, Laura McCormick, has been a volunteer with the American Cancer Society for 15 years. She began as a committee member for the Relay in Bethel, eventually going on to chair that event. From there she joined the New England Division Task Force and has been the chair of the Nationwide Leadership Training Team.

Currently the chair of the Nationwide Relay Advisory Team, McCormack said that she had been privileged to travel to Jamaica and Germany for special training. Stating that “small steps make a big difference,” and that volunteers are “priceless,” the informative presenter described the progress in cancer survivorship since 2001. The total number has grown from 8.6 million people to 11 million survivors (60 percent to 66 percent) in those nine years. It may not seem like that big a change, but it is major statistical progress. Simply put, nearly two-and-a-half million people are alive today thanks to advances in cancer research and care.

The Relay for Life organization is presently seeking area residents to serve as team captains and/or team members. Teams raise money by gathering sponsors to support their participation in the activity. Teams of about eight to 10 walkers keep a continuous presence on a special track laid out on the beautiful campus lawns at QU in Hamden throughout the overnight event, walking in shifts to raise funds for American Cancer Society programs. The next Team Captain’s meeting is set for Wednesday, March 31, 2010, at 7:45 pm at the Senior Center behind Hamden Miller Memorial Library on Dixwell Avenue.

The American Cancer Society’s 10th annual Relay for Life of Hamden and North Haven is scheduled to take place from 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 26 until 10 a.m. on Sunday, June 27, at Quinnipiac University in Hamden.

Whether you would like to participate directly or simply make a donation, your support is urgently needed to save lives. The national Relay for Life program is celebrating its 25th anniversary. Several members of the North Haven Rotary Club have pledged to form a team to help find a cure. Anyone interested in joining their team may contact its captain, Susan Pace, Rotary Program Coordinator, at its website: www.nhrotary.org. The North Haven Rotary challenges other service clubs to get on board. You may register your own team today by calling the American Cancer Society at 203-563-1534, or you may e-mail Stephen Smith at hamden.northhaven.relay4life@gmail.com.