Warren Relay For Life sets new records

By CHRISTOPHER BOBBY Tribune Chronicle


WARREN – Retired Warren Police Officer Ron Massucci continued his traffic-control role as a downtown fixture lap after lap during the 15th annual Warren Relay for Life wrapped up under sunny skies.

The sunshine was welcomed after more than 100 cancer-fighting teams battled a soggy night along with raising funds to battle the disease.

Warren’s Relay still is billed as the largest in the state and one of the largest in the country besides being the nucleus for other seasonal relays in Niles, Cortland, Liberty and Lordstown/Newton Falls.

Amidst the painted faces, gift baskets and ticket raffles, Massucci held his position at East Market Street and Park Avenue, where the normal traffic routes were changed to accommodate team members ‘‘lapping’’ Courthouse Park, circling the tents that represented civic groups, church members, students, coworkers in factories and offices and families that have suffered losses to cancer, likes the Sweets, Rolfes, Dorchocks or Steffeys.

Inmates at Trumbull Correctional Institution even comprised an associate team.

‘‘I never would have imagined this when I was walking a beat downtown or in the Flatts back in the 60s,’’ Massucci said.

Dr. Robert Brodell, local founder and chairman emeritus of the event, said unofficial estimates on the fundraising event this year totaled $461,000 – an increase over the $451,000 raised last year.

That total ranks with the $800,000 raised last year in all Trumbull Relays; $900,000 raised in 2006 and $1 million in 2005.

In 1994, when the event started, $28,000 was raised by 14 teams.

The doctor also said a record 1,604 cancer survivors walked in the opening ceremonies Friday evening.

Brodell, who helped bring national attention to the event, was excited this year with the arrival Friday of the Fight Back Express – a bus carrying officials with the American Cancer Society and the Cancer Action Network (CAN), which includes lobbyists.

‘‘This bus is covered with shrinkwrap and has signatures of survivors and participants. It will travel through all 48 states and arrive in Washington, D.C., in time for Election Day,’’ said Brodell. ‘‘It’s designed to let people in D.C. know we care about fighting cancer, and we vote.’’

The doctor said he’s hopeful politicians can adopt an anti-cancer agenda that includes approved cancer screenings and things like the Smoke-Free Ohio campaign.

cbobby@tribune-chronicle.com