Warren Relay for Life showcases cancer survivors

WARREN

Wearing purple T-shirts emblazoned with the words “celebrate, remember, fight back,” an estimated 800 cancer survivors and family members walked the streets of Courthouse Square, launching the American Cancer Society’s annual Relay for Life this evening.

Sheri Bolotenny of Brookfield, a survivor of an especially virulent form of leukemia, walked with her son. She was also there in memory of her mother, whose picture she wore on her shirt.

“My mother and I were diagnosed with leukemia within five days of each other in 2004 and I was given four weeks to live,” said Bolotenny, 41. Her mother, Linda Luoma, died in 2005 even though she was not believed to be as seriously ill at the time.

“It’s hard sometimes, and there are some long-term things we have to live with,” said Bolotenny, “but [the relay] is a good thing, and I have two kids who need me.” Bolotenny said July will mark her seventh year of recovery.

For the complete story, read Saturday's Vindicator and Vindy.com