By Jake Palmateer
Staff Writer
May 13, 2008 04:00 am ONEONTA _ A local man is bringing Livestrong Day to Oneonta. Inspired by two friends who suffered from cancer or cancer-related illness, Bill Erario, 35, of Oneonta, is planning to use the Hartwick College wall on West Street as a monument to those whose lives have been touched by the disease. Erario said he is painting the wall yellow today and will be on hand between 4 and 7 p.m. to help people write in black the names of those who have cancer, have beaten cancer or who have died from cancer. One of Erario's friends died of cancer, but the other survived and became active with Livestrong events on Long Island. That is what sparked his interest, Erario said Sunday. Livestrong Day, which is today, is the annual day of awareness and fundraising for the Lance Armstrong Foundation. The foundation was founded in 1997 by seven-time Tour de France cycling champion and cancer survivor Lance Armstrong. More than 500 Livestrong Day events are scheduled in hundreds of communities across the country. In past years, the Lance Armstrong Foundation has used Livestrong Day to reach out to lobbyists and legislators in Washington, D.C., according to the foundation. But this year, the organization is choosing to instead focus on the grass-roots events in individual communities. "Everyone knows about cancer," said Erario, who works at Valley Ridge Center for Intensive Treatment in Norwich, a state-run facility for developmentally disabled people who have a history of offensive or criminal behavior. But what Erario said he wants is to improve people's knowledge about cancer research and treatment, as well as encourage people to show support for those diagnosed with cancer. "We're there for you. We want you to keep on fighting," Erario said. Erario is relying on donations for the event. Lowe's Home Improvement Center donated the yellow paint and Home Depot donated the black paint, Erario said. In addition to painting the wall, Erario has also reached out to the Oneonta City School District to encourage students to wear yellow to school today. He distributed yellow Livestrong bracelets to members of the Common Council last week, and Mayor John Nader issued a mayoral proclamation supporting Erario's efforts. Yellow was adopted as the Livestrong color because it is the color of the leader's jersey in the Tour de France. Erario said this is his first year organizing a Livestrong event. "It's our first step. It's a small step," Erario said. "Next year I'll try to go bigger." Erario may be contacted at erario2325@gmail.com.
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