CSEA members relay against cancer Fighting cancer is personal to CSEA Oswego County Local OSWEGO — Cancer is very personal to Oswego County Local activist Jeff Chetney. That is why he is fighting to end cancer through participating along with about 60 other local members in “Relay For Life,” a community fundraiser to support the American Cancer Society’s efforts to end cancer. “My father died from cancer, my mother has faced a bout of cancer, and my wife’s father died of cancer, so I decided while I was healthy, and with so many people I know being affected by it, that I wanted to do something to make sure it stops affecting so many people,” Chetney said. That motivation, and encouragement from Oswego County Local President Ken Greenleaf, spurred Chetney to lead the local’s Relay for Life team. Chetney also credits his wife Helen, an Oswego County Department of Social Services worker and Oswego County Local activist, for helping keep the team organized. On June 13, the local’s team will walk around the Oswego High School’s track for about 12 hours. The CSEA team has raised between $3,500 and $4,500 in past years, but Chetney hopes to raise $5,000 this year. In addition to direct contributions, the local raises money through raffles and other fundraisers. Chetney said the most emotional part of the event for him is the Survivor and Caregivers Lap. “I stand by the sidelines and just cry from the emotion of it all; what these people have been through,” he said. “It’s amazing how strong people are when they are put in a situation where they have to do something — they have to go through radiation or chemotherapy, or care for a loved one — to see how strong these people are,” Chetney said. “It’s a great testament to human strength.” This year’s relay strikes a personal chord for Chetney and the CSEA team. One of their The CSEA Oswego County Local Team at the 2013 Relay For Life in Oswego. At left, holding the banner, is Team Captain Jeff Chetney. Photo by Darleen Vosseller. teammates for the past four years, former CSEA Oswego City Schools Unit President Steve Quesnell, was recently diagnosed with a hereditary form of brain cancer that has already claimed his mother and brother. “It hits pretty close to home,” Chetney said. To learn more or to help, visit http://tinyurl. com/local838relay2014. — Mark M. Kotzin Getting MAD against cancer WAMPSVILLE — Madison County worker Robb Wojsiat and his family know all too well that cancer can strike anyone, anywhere, at any time. His wife, Tammy, lost a dear friend to cancer in 2001. Wojsiat, a social welfare examiner in the county’s Department of Social Services, witnessed his aunt overcome cancer, an inspiration to him and his family. Even the family’s blue tick hound dog Dewey, a faithful companion for the last 12 years, passed away from an aggressive form of cancer. And that is why the Wojsiats are fighting to end cancer through Relay for Life. Wojsiat is serving as captain as the “MAD Against Cancer Team,” sponsored in part by the CSEA Madison County Local and the CSEA Madison County White Collar Unit. “You never know when cancer will strike,” Wojsiat wrote in a letter explaining why he is active in Relay for Life. “It doesn’t discriminate. It knows no race, no age, no gender (no breed). It doesn’t care how much is in your bank account or what kind of car you drive. You can’t beat it by having the right job or even making what seem to always be the right decisions.” In the last three years, the team has raised more than $14,000. This year, the team has set a $10,000 goal and are already more than halfway there. They hope to reach their goal by the May 31 relay at Oneida High School. The team is also holding other fund-raisers. For more information, contact Wojsiat at (315) 264-7876. To learn more or to help, visit “MAD Against Cancer Team” web page at http://tinyurl.com/ local827relay2014. — Mark M. Kotzin The 2013 ‘MAD Against Cancer’ Team walks the Relay For Life in Madison County. Team Captain Robb Wojsiat is shown at far right walking behind two young girls. Photo by Jennifer Armlin. 14 The Work Force May 2014
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