Normally, people start a new year by setting new goals for the things they want to accomplish, and the Relay for Life Committee of Mount Vernon has one specific goal - to find a cure.

At the annual kick-off dinner held Monday night, January 30 at Friendship Worship Center, Debra Stern and Michelle Harris-Dixon, who serve as the Relay event chairpersons for Mount Vernon, congratulated committee members and team leaders for their outstanding efforts during last year’s Relay For Life, where teams raised over $50,000 for the American Cancer Society.

After opening comments from the two chairpersons, the nearly 100 people in attendance were musically entertained by the Amani Charter School Choir, whose members attend school on the grounds of Friendship Worship Center.

After the excellent performance by the choir, Rev. C. Nathan Edwers, a cancer survivor, provided an inspirational message about his experience combating and beating prostate cancer, a dreaded decease that has killed millions of men worldwide. “I am glad to report that after having been treated for prostate cancer a little over two years ago, I am now 100% cancer free,” said Rev. Edwers.  “I am eating the right things and I have lost 40 pounds. I’m doing this because I want to continue living.”

Next to speak was Kerry Wong, an American Cancer Society Staff Partner. “Last year was a trying time for our county,” but even though the county went through so much, we were still able to raise a significant amount of money and that’s a great accomplishment,” said Wong.

Stern got back on the microphone to speak about a new program known as Relay Recess. The Relay Recess program provides an excellent opportunity for elementary schools to get involved in their communities by uniting teachers, students, parents, and the rest of the community to support a common cause. It also engages students in the fight against cancer, allowing them to make a difference in their community while also developing healthy behaviors that will reduce their cancer risk.

A surprise guest speaker was Legislator Lyndon Williams, who thanked all those in attendance for their incredible effort to help stamp out cancer.

Near the end of the program, the two chairpersons presented awards to last year’s top performers.

The inspirational kick-off came to an end when Stern grabbed the microphone, raised the music coming from the speakers and started dancing - encouraging the audience to join her. The audience joined her by dancing and clapping in place by their tables – creating an emotional and inspiring site.

This year’s Relay For Life event will be held June 15 – 16  at the Mount Vernon High School, located at 100 California Road, Mount Vernon, NY.

For more information about forming a team or helping out, call 914-397-8845, or visit www.relayforlife.org/mtvernonny.

Michelle Harris-Dixon

Debra Stern

Kerry Wong