A Patch Chat with Michelle Maugeri of American Cancer Society

For the fourth consecutive year, Long Beach Middle School will host the Relay for Life event on May 14. There’s still time to sign up for this signature event for the American Cancer Society, in which participants create teams and members take turns walking around a track. The relay is typically held overnight and the goal is to always have at least one member walking at all times.

Patch recently sat down with Michelle Maugeri, director of special events for the Nassau ACS. A former Long Beach resident, Maugeri is working with organizers from the city on this year’s event, one of 20 that are scheduled in Nassau County. Maugeri is no stranger to the devastating affects of cancer, having lost her father, aunt, two grandparents and a 26-year-old cousin to the disease.

What makes the Relay for Life event in Long Beach different than other events held throughout Nassau County?

Working with the Long Beach community is a little different than the other communities I work with for one simple reason: it is in Long Beach. Having lived here for a few years and now wanting to move back, it is no wonder why people love living here. Long Beach is its own little world here on Long Island.

How many participants are signed up for this year's relay and how does that compare to previous years?

The first three years Long Beach held Relay For Life events, they were extremely successful. Nearly 1,000 people were on the field and over the three years they raised $200,000 in the fight against cancer. At this time we have just under 100 registered participants, which we will hopefully see increase over the next few weeks. We are really looking to expand into more of the community and can use all the support we can get.

Can you tell us more about some of the fundraising efforts that have been going on in the area?

Momentum is certainly picking up. Pure Fitness in Island Park held Spin 4 A Cure in support of Relay For Life last month and raised several hundred dollars. There are several other upcoming fundraisers that I am really looking forward to as well.

Beach BOOT CAMP will be held on April 23 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and registration will begin at 10 a.m. on Edwards Boulevard beach. A $20 minimum donation is required, and the class will be taught by five certified instructors. The Beach House will also be hosting a fundraiser that should be a lot of fun on April 30 at 2 p.m. It is $40 per person and includes food and drinks. A portion of the proceeds will go to benefit Relay For Life.

How did Relay for Life come to Long Beach and how has it grown since its first event?

Relay began in Long Beach when the health teacher, Mrs. Capodiferro, was introduced to it in her hometown and wanted to bring it here where she worked. Several students quickly became student chairs of the event, rallying the rest of the school. Illana Scheur and Laura Romig were among these students, and their families still remain heavily involved in the event while they are both away at college.

What are some of the new things that volunteers and participants will see at this year's event in Long Beach?

This year’s event will not be an overnight event as it was the first three years that it was held. It will go from 7 p.m. to midnight. A large portion of the people registered for this year’s event are new to Relay For Life, so with the community members will come a whole new excitement. I really hope to see this event continue to grow. Long Beach is a wonderful place to live, filled with tons of people willing to lend their time and support to a great cause.