Jan 21, 2015


By Lesley Merrigan

The days are getting longer, the weather is getting warmer and there is a buzz of planning for summer fun. This year, Summer Solstice is also the same weekend as the Relay For Life, which will be held in Parham on June 20. That is why the Relay Leadership team has decided to adopt a Solstice theme. We will be celebrating everything that summer is about in decoration and costume. We will be focusing on summer sun safety as it plays a critical role in cancer prevention as well as physical activity for total body health.

Summer is a time of planting and regrowth and starting fresh. It’s a time of water, and sun and beaches and fun. Our hope is that you come and celebrate survivors and remember the cancer warriors who have not survived. It is time to join the fight! Our 2015 goal is to have at least 20 teams of 7 + folks.

The Canadian Cancer Society’s Relay For Life has been the largest fundraising event for the fight against cancer. It was estimated that in 2014, there will be 191,300 new cases of cancer reported in Canada. Two out of every 5 people in Canada will get some form of cancer in their lifetime. And thanks in part to 75 + years of research, service and support offered by the Canadian Cancer Society, 63% of these patients will survive longer than five years. We have played a role in making this possible. Our community has supported our relay through business and personal donations, team fundraisers, and committee fundraisers, which do come back to our community. The transportation service “Wheels of Hope” has allowed cancer patients access to transportation to and from their treatment centers throughout our area. From Northbrook to Maberly, from Plevna to Odessa and all the places in-between, our unit office and all other unit offices are committed to helping and supporting anyone who has been diagnosed with cancer. Every year, donor dollars help support the important work of researchers, some as close as Kingston, to finding new cures and treatment methods.

Cancer has touched all of our lives. Having been involved with this event now since 2008, I have seen and heard numerous stories of cancer journeys. Some of them have broken my heart. But some of them have motivated me to fight harder. Some stories have allowed me to see the progress that we are making through research and how the Canadian Cancer Society has supported people right here at home. The Relay For Life is more than just a fundraiser. It is a community of people coming together to fight back against cancer. No matter your story, please consider joining our mission to eradicate cancer and support those living with cancer. Registration will be after the weekly Friday night dinner at the Royal Canadian Legion #425, Sharbot Lake on January 23. And don’t forget…..

“Wherever you go, no matter the weather, always bring your own sunshine” ~ Anthony J. D’Angelo  

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