West Amwell woman has Relay team

Cancer survivor Amanda Rosso was in a wheelchair undergoing chemotherapy during last year’s American Cancer Society Relay for Life at South Hunterdon Regional High School.

By: Linda Seida
   WEST AMWELL — Last year, Amanda Rosso attended the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life in a wheelchair as she recuperated from cancer treatment.
   This year, the wheelchair is gone. The West Amwell woman is returning to the relay as a survivor, raising funds so others will have a chance to beat cancer too.
   "This relay event means a lot to me, knowing that all the proceeds go towards education and further research to help fight cancer," Ms. Rosso said. "I know if I had the same type of cancer I had 10 years ago, I probably would not be alive today. Being able to raise money for the American Cancer Society is my way of thanking them and to give others a second chance at life."
   Ms. Rosso, 27, was diagnosed with a bone cancer called osteosarcoma in December 2003. The Lambertville area community rallied to her aid, raising funds to help Ms. Rosso’s out-of-pocket expenses.
   The trip to Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York for chemotherapy treatments was expensive, and insurance did not cover incidental expenses, including the $40 parking fee each visit.
   A year later, doctors declared Ms. Rosso’s cancer vanquished following chemotherapy and surgery. Each month she heads to New York for scans to make sure the cancer remains gone.
   "I am really happy to be a team captain this year for the Relay for Life," Ms. Rosso said. "Last year during the relay it was about a week after I had my knee replacement. I was in a wheelchair and still getting high doses of chemo. I thought I would never see the end to this long journey."
   The Relay for Life is an annual event, and it has become international in scope. It is the largest nonprofit fundraising event in the world, according to the society.
   The relay is held overnight, celebrating the survivors’ victories while also raising money for research and programs. As described by the society, "During the event, teams of people gather at schools, fairgrounds or parks and take turns walking or running laps. Each team tries to keep at least one team member on the track at all times."
   Money is raised through sponsorship, by the sale of luminaria candles and other fundraising techniques.
   In southern Hunterdon County, the Relay for Life is held each year at South Hunterdon Regional High School. Local participants raised $62,000 last year. The relay will take place May 21 and 22. Co-chairwomen this year are Kelly Godown and Nancy Klima, both of East Amwell.
   Many people who volunteer to help during the event or who captain teams to raise funds have experience with the disease. Some, like Ms. Rosso, are survivors. Others, like Ms. Godown and Norma Zimmerman, the chairwoman of last year’s relay, have family members who have battled cancer.
   "Every year the relay brings up the memory of my father’s illness, and some days it’s hard to think about doing this event again, but the reality is, we must relay every year until a cure for cancer is found," Ms. Godown said. "I don’t want to see any more families suffer from this illness. The children who participate in the relay every year, Scouting organizations, religious groups, school teams; these are the future. They are the inspiration for all of us adults who put this event together every year. They want to beat cancer."
   Ms. Godown gave the lion’s share of credit to Ms. Zimmerman for the relay’s success over the past four years and, in part, for her own participation.
   Ms. Godown said, "My dad died from lung cancer. When my daughter, who is 13 years old now, was 7 years old, she did not understand what cancer was. She heard Norma speak in school about the relay. She came home and asked if we could participate. That year, we were part of the Zimmerman team. Eventually we branched out and formed our own team of family, friends, neighbors and co-workers."
   Ms. Zimmerman’s son, Erik, will turn 14 next month. When he was just 17 months, he was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor. Tuesday (May 17) will mark 11 years that he’s been cancer-free.
   Ms. Zimmerman of East Amwell Township is also Ms. Rosso’s aunt. Both women are excited about the upcoming relay and already have begun to raise funds.
   "She’s doing real, real well now," Ms. Zimmerman said of her niece. "She’s raising money hand over fist."
   Ms. Rosso’s team members, almost 30 strong, include her husband, Hopewell Township Police Officer James Rosso, their 2-year-old daughter, Brielle, and Ms. Rosso’s parents, in-laws, other relatives and friends.
   "Our team, the Cancer Kickers, are really working hard to raise money," Ms. Rosso said. "We do not have a goal, but I estimate that we should hit about $5,000 between the money raised before the relay and the raffle and a bake sale we plan to have at the relay."
   Other events are planned. For instance, Ms. Godown said representatives will be at the Commerce Bank near the Stop&Shop on Route 31 where team registrations and donations will be collected beginning at 7 p.m.
   "Yes, we are still signing up teams," Ms. Godown said. "It’s never too late. If you can’t put a team together, just come out to the event on Saturday, May 21. The official start time is 4 p.m. A $10 donation will get you a T-shirt, and you can join any one of our seasoned teams to rally support for our survivors and walkers."
   Also, volunteers are always welcome.
   "Just come by on the day of the event," Ms. Godown said.
   For those who want to help, call Ms. Zimmerman at 397-8892 or Ms. Godown at (908) 782-7601.