Why Relay for Life?

Remember those who lost their lives to cancer; celebrate those who survived; and fight back by raising funds for research. These are the themes and goals of the annual Canadian Cancer Society Relay for Life.

The 12-hour overnight relay took place in more than 450 communities across Canada in 2008. In SDG and Prescott-Russell there are two events this year—at Kenyon Agricultural Society Fairgrounds in Maxville on June 5, and at Farran Park Campground in Ingleside on June 19.

Everyone who takes part in the Canadian Cancer Society Relay for Life has their own reason for doing so. Here are some of their stories:

The employees of Supply Chain Management, headed by Brad LeClair and Veronique Slykhuis are determined to make a difference! “Participating for the first time in 2008 was an eye-opener,” says LeClair. “Once you have been to Relay, you will never miss it again. When you watch more than 400 survivors make that trek around the track, it is moving and inspiring and you can’t help but want to make a difference. We all know someone who has been affected by cancer. Hopefully our efforts will make the journey that much easier and eventually stamp out cancer altogether.”

The employees from SCM entered three teams in 2008, and have an amazing 13 teams registered to date for 2009. They are working on fundraising as a group, hosting in-house bake sales, spaghetti suppers, and planning a mega garage sale in the spring. “This is team spirit at its best,” added LeClair. “The buzz continues as they brainstorm exciting ways to contribute to the fight.” “We will have teams at both SDG and Prescott-Russell events, to help Celebrate, Remember, and Fight Back,” concluded LeClair.

Monique Yelle is taking part in Maxville’s Relay for Life for the ninth year, and is a member of the organizing committee. Monique has been a cancer survivor since 1976. She is a carrier of the breast cancer gene, and wants to contribute in every way she can to find a cure for this devastating disease so that her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren can be spared.

Betty de Haan, a team captain from the Ingleside event says, “The Farran Park Relay For Life allows me to volunteer in memory of loved ones and provides me with an opportunity to give back to the community to fight a disease that affects all too many.”

The organizing committee chairs Relay for very personal reasons. Diane Dupuis, the Maxville event chair says, “I relay in memory of my sister, and in honour of our daughter, my best friend and many family members.” Diane’s daughter had leukemia at the age of 8; she is now 21. Diane and her husband Roger refer to her as their miracle!

Diane has been responsible for the engagement of her fellow employees at Scotiabank who have been strong supporters of Relay, raising thousands of dollars as a team and with significant corporate support from Scotiabank.

Jim Duck, the chair of the Ingleside event, relays in honour of his mother. Jim’s vision sees a world where cancer has become a manageable condition with many forms of cancer actually eradicated! His hope drives the Relay spirit within the organizing committee. “By raising money for leading edge research we are supporting scientists and researchers who are finding cures and helping people to live with the disease.”

You, too, can confront and fight cancer head on through your local Relay for Life event, whether you participate or sponsor someone who does. Find out how by visiting www.cancer.ca/relay. Don’t sit back—join in the war against this relentless killer. Join us at Relay for Life, Celebrate, Remember, and Fight Back!

The Canadian Cancer Society Relay for Life is an opportunity to get together with family and friends and celebrate cancer survivors, remember loved ones lost to cancer, and fight back in the hope of finding a cure for this terrible disease. To register please visit www.cancer.ca/relay or call Sharyn at 613-932-1283. The Maxville Relay will be held June 5 and 6 and the Ingleside Relay is June 19 and 20.