A total of 30 cancer survivors gathered in the Taylorton Room at Days Inn last Thursday evening to celebrate the kickoff to the 2011 Relay for Life program that will take place June 11. They were joined by about 40 or 50 of their family members and friends for a short program that included coffee and treats.
Relay for Life co-chairwomen Hailee Dayman and Tina Bird welcomed attendees while co-chairs Carol Cundall and her son Matthew described some of the work that goes on to get the event underway and what the fundraising can accomplish.
Dayman explained how the Relay for Life works and why it is an overnight marathon that involves teams and relays of walkers. "It's because cancer never sleeps," she said.
"So we celebrate people who have survived and pay tribute to those who lost the battle. It's an opportunity for you to tell us about your challenge and how you beat cancer," she said.
Bird said the invitation for survivors to participate in the Relay on the evening of June 11 can be extended to include others. She asked each survivor to bring another survivor to the event.
Ashley Fox, assistant events co-ordinator for the Canadian Cancer Society's southeast regional office, said the theme being followed this year includes suggestions to eat well and remain active. "Stay at a healthy weight, and focus on what you can add to your life and remember 35 per cent of all cancers can be completely avoided by a healthy lifestyle."
Fox went on to note that the society's offices around the country promote solid research and continue to promote debate since that too assists in finding cancer curing breakthroughs.
"The Relay for Life is much more than a fundraiser. It's a chance to celebrate what we've found as well as those we have lost." said Fox.
Matthew Cundall said the Relay is one way to have some weekend fun while fulfilling an obligation and "we walk to make cancer history. The survivors are my heroes of hope."
His mother, Carol, told the gathering that caregivers who provide support to those who are struggling with cancer, need to be recognized too. "We wouldn't have done as well as we did without you," she said.
Honourary survivors this year include Tessa Young and Juliette Carrier.
Young told the group how she put her life on hold until the clear signal is received, regarding her cancer treatments and followup work.
"You can push it back in your mind, but you know it's always there. I say early detection is the key. I had an early check, but the first diagnosis was incorrect, so I urge everyone to keep on top of it and I urge you to support the Relay for Life," said Young.
Carol Cundall, who is now a peer support trainer, said her offices provides information to first-time survivors and she urged relay walkers to show up a bit early, before the 7 p.m. Official start, so they can register and be ready to go right at the start time.
The evening's program concluded with a video presentation prepared by Cassandra Bird that featured past Relay for Life walks and events that led up to them plus many of the participants.
