Wendy Pizzadili, right, will celebrate with “Wine and the Country” Friday night at the Pizzadili Winery in Felton. Shown with Ms. Pizzadili at a previous year’s event, from left, are Amber Rains-Bush and Tami Gerardi. The event benefits the American Cancer Society. (Submitted photo)[/caption]

DOVER — For the eighth year, Pizzadili Vineyard and Winery is hosting its annual celebration of life, with “Wine and the Country.”

The event, scheduled for Oct. 9, started back in 2007, the year after Wendy Pizzadili was diagnosed with small cell ovarian cancer, a disease that is rarely caught in time for any treatment to be effective.

“This event really is a celebration of life,” Ms. Pizzadili said. “So many people don’t realize how good life actually is until something terrible happens.”

Wine in the Country is put on by her Relay for Life team, Wendy’s Warriors. All proceeds from the event go to the American Cancer Society.

The event was initially planned for September but had to be pushed back due to Ms. Pizzadili’s health complications that had her in and out of the hospital all summer.

“There are so many things going on in October so I’m a little concerned about turnout but I do hope people find the time to come out this Friday to raise money for such a good cause,” Ms. Pizzadili said.

Although Ms. Pizzadili has managed to survive the cancer, the aggressive treatment has left her with serious side effects and severe damage to other organs but still tries to enjoy herself when she has the chance.

“I really want to go to the event too because it’s a chance to have fun,” she said. “Being diagnosed was a real eye opener for me, especially when I learned it’s rare to survive this disease and now I try to really take time to enjoy things.”

The over-21 event is Friday, Oct. 9, from 7 to 11 p.m. at Pizzadili Vineyard and Winery at 1683 Peach Basket Road in Felton. It will feature appetizers and desserts, music and a silent auction.

Admission is $30 per person and includes one drink. A cash bar will be available for additional drinks. Attire is business casual or semi-formal.

Tickets for Wine and the Country can be purchased at the door or in advance at Pizzadili Vineyard and Winery, or Pizzadili’s Deli at 2089 S. DuPont Highway in Dover.

For more information, call the winery at 284-9463 or the deli at 697-7232,

Donations can be sent to “Wendy Pizzadili/Wendy ’s Warriors” at P.O. Box 135, Felton, DE 19943.

Staff writer Ashton Brown can be reached at abrown@newszap.com or 741-8272. Follow AshtonReports on Twitter.