As most of us know, a walk through cancer is no skip through the park. Cancer is the second most common form of death in the United States. The American Cancer Society reports there will be about 1,665,540 new cancer cases diagnosed and 585,720 cancer deaths in the United States in 2014.
But Americans - and especially Nutley residents - are filled with spirit and never back down from a fight, even one as formidable as cancer.
Last week, the annual “Walking in Faith” fundraiser for Relay for Life, an annual American Cancer Society cancer event, was wholeheartedly supported in Nutley.
Founder Tammi Trible, a bundle of energy, sunshine and hope that seems to spill out of her as brightly as her golden cascading curls, once again gathered together children and adults to sashay on her runway, raising money for this worthy cause.
“All the months of hard work and dedication was worth it,” said Trible. “We raised $13,846. I feel blessed and overwhelmed with gratitude.”
Trible launched this fundraiser after losing her young husband Wayne to cancer.
“I got involved with Relay for Life 8 years ago after losing my husband, Wayne Trible, to a 26 month battle with 4th stage terminal appendix cancer,” she explained. “Throughout Wayne’s illness he would say, “Tammi, the thing I love most about you is your faith and if I die remember it is God’s will.” He told me to never be angry at God and to never lose my faith. The fashion show is dedicated to Wayne. It is because of his fight, and my beliefs that I keep “Walking in Faith”.
Besides donating her time and energy to raise this money for Relay for Life, Trible also worked with her partner Alex from their photography studio Photo Arts Productions in Nutley to take all the photos you see printed here today.
On hand were moms, dads, kids and neighbors all cheering on the models as they took to the long red runway.
Nutley Commissioner Mauro Tucci was a major part of this event, which was held at the Park and Rec building.
“What can I say but thank you to Tammi and her committee,” he noted. “The
Walking in Faith Fashion show was a tremendous success thanks to the hard
work and enthusiasm of this young woman and the people who are lucky
enough to call her their “friend”. Your example shines through to all of
us engaging us and motivating us to do more. Thank you We are proud to
have you represent our town and Nutley’s Relay For Life!”
With Nutley’s avid volunteers and Tucci’s strong assistance. over the past 7 years, Nutley has raised over $600,000 for Relay for Life, including the Walking in Faith funds.
Next up for this dynamic town’s cancer fighting fundraisers are two events.
“The enthusiastic energy at the show was powerful as we cheered on our singers, models, dancers and celebrated our survivors,” added Trible. “The feeling of hope was reflective in the faces of the audience.”
As for thanks, besides the many sponsors, Trible wanted to send a special shout-out to some local heroes.
“I am grateful to Commissioner, Mauro Tucci, for his continuous support of the Relay For Life of Nutley and the Walking in Faith Fashion Show,” said Trible. “Tucci is our rock. He supports all the events leading up to Relay. His support and leadership is admirable and I am honored and proud that I have become friends with him. I am so thankful to have my dedicated co-chairs, Christina Russomanno and Lisa Zitola, my committee, and all of the volunteers that help make this event possible.”
All of our local towns offer a Relay for Life event that you can support.
Montclair State University has their Relay for Life on May 2.
Mount St. Dominic Academy has their Relay for Life on May 16.
