'Paying it Forward' with Relay for Life

When Susan Modelewski's friend died of cancer this November, she knew it was time to take action against the disease.

"I had to do something," said Modelewski, herself a four-year survivor of renal cell carcinoma, a type of cancer that affects the kidneys.

An MRI technician at Huntington Hospital discovered the large tumor in Modelewski's kidney during an examination meant to address persistent back pain associated with herniated discs in her neck.

Things happened lightning fast after that.

"I found out that day, I went online, I did my research, and decided to go with Sloan," she said. "I saw the doctor a week later, a week after that I had a radical nephrectomy, which means I had my kidney removed."

During her recovery, Modelewski saw an outpouring of support from friends and neighbors, offering meals, carpools for her kids, and laundry services. One of the lucky ones, she made a full recovery and was able to run the Great Cow Harbor Race and was inspired to "pay it forward" from then on.

"Being a cancer survivor, I always try to pay it forward, doing what I can to bring meals, go to treatment with someone," she said. "It seems like once you have cancer, unfortunately you know so many people with cancer."

It took some time for Modelewski to feel ready to sift through her own trauma and dive head on into Relay for Life and work with the American Cancer Society, which she said provides an invaluable resource for cancer patients and their loved ones.

Now in her first year with Relay for Life in Northport, she is the top fundraising participant and her team, We Relay for Life, the top fundraising team.

"I really poured my heart and soul into this so some of us won't have to go through what so many of us had to go through," she said. "I became involved with Relay so hopefully someone else won't have to hear those words 'You have Cancer.'"

Hundreds of others will join Modelewski in the fight against cancer on Saturday for Relay for Life events in Northport and Elwood. In Northport, the community has raised $237,453 and in Elwood $46,838.

Both events will be taking place at 6 p.m. at their respective high schools. Find out everything you need to know about both Relay for Life events here.