Ivette Altieri sent in the following photos and write-up:
Each year, on hundreds of campuses across the country and in thousands of communities around the world, one event unites millions of total strangers in the global fight against cancer. That event is the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life and it returned to Yale University once again this year. American Cancer Relay for Life took place at the Payne Whitney Gymnasium on April 18 – 19th. For the third year, Altieri Family and Friends had the unique opportunity to celebrate the lives of those who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and support the American Cancer Society’s lifesaving mission by fighting back against a disease that has already taken too much.
Six years back our uncle Anthony Natale Sr whom lives in Chandler AZ, was diagnosed with a rare pharyngeal cancer. He battled this for a year receiving his lifetime limit of radiation and several rounds of chemotherapy, he won the battle and was in remission for two years. Unfortunately, two years ago the cancer returned, he’s had several rounds of chemotherapy treatments to date and has had some improvement. Feeling helpless as he lives so faraway and couldn’t help him. The Altieri Family and Friends gathered together and joined American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life. This overnight experience has been tremendous and we hope that will all our prayers he will beat this cancer again! We love you Uncle Ant.
During the event, teams of friends, faculty, and community-members gather around the track and walk throughout the night. The goal was to have one member of each team on the track at all times throughout the event (the “Relay” part), but much of the fun also took place off the track in what is a powerfully moving vigil and massive fundraising events. American Cancer Relay for Life and Yale University plan a lot of exciting and entertaining events through the night along with delicious food donated by local businesses. Everything from Rockband Tournaments, eating contests, music bands, dance performances and more. This year, their guest performance was Nick Pitera. His voiceovers were great!
We are definitely looking forward to next year’s Relay.
In Memory of John Altieri Sr., Angelo Altieri, Yoshiko Archambeault, Betty Little, Uki Ortiz, Barbara McVeigh, Patricia Carboni, Miguel Lugo, Harvey Pachter, Sharon LeMieux, Helen Mastracchio, Aurelia Cruz, Juan R. Lamboy and Carmita.