Liberty - Massachusetts employees uphold their longstanding tradition of supporting the Fall River Chapter of the American Cancer Society through donations reaching more than $17,000 and countless hours committed to send cancer walking. 

Since 2014, Liberty - Massachusetts has participated and provided a team of employees who volunteer their time to support the American Cancer Society at their annual fundraiser - Relay For Life. This year, employees were once again thrilled to be able to participate in an event for such a noble cause.

On Saturday, June 24th, a large group of Liberty - MA employees gathered at the Bishop Connolly High School Athletic Field in Fall River for this year’s Relay For Life. While the “Liberty For All” team had nine walkers, other Liberty team members and their friends and family joined together to walk in honor of a former Liberty employee and longtime friend, Mark Nassiff, who passed just recently from cancer.

In addition to employees who volunteered their time to walk, other volunteers helped the Relay leadership committee set up before the event, aid with logistics during the event, and clean up after.

“Cancer never sleeps. It doesn’t go away because conditions are less than ideal. Cancer affects many individuals’ family members, friends, or co-workers” said Christina DaRocha, Operations Program Manager with Liberty and co-captain of the Liberty For All team. “As a cancer survivor, being able to be a co-captain of the Liberty For All team was such a fulfilling experience. It is my hope that the money raised from fundraising events give others a chance at remission, and that seeing the community pulling together for them will be a pillar of strength as they continue to fight.”

In addition to the Relay For Life event, Liberty employees work throughout the year to raise additional funds to support the American Cancer Society. To date, Liberty has raised more than $17,950 for the American Cancer Society, a number that shattered the annual team goal of $5,000.

“We fundraise a lot throughout the year,” said Sarah Allard, Senior Accountant with Liberty and co-captain of the Liberty For All team. “The $17,950 was raised from events such as our golf tournament, paint night, bingo, bowling event, craft fair, raffles, and food sales at the Relay walk. We also receive personal donations throughout the year.”

Liberty’s 2nd annual Charity Golf Outing is scheduled for September 10, 2023. People interested in participating in the tournament or being a sponsor of the event can email fallriver.events@libertyutilities.com for information and a registration form. The deadline to register is August 21st. All proceeds from the event will benefit the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life.

Photo Caption: 

Two Liberty retirees, Christina DaRocha (L) and Debbie Elias (R), celebrate winning their battle with cancer by joining hands in the first lap around the track, known as the Survivors Lap. Elias also founded the Liberty For All team back in 2014.