Relay For Life Is Here!

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What is Relay For Life?

 

Relay For Life is an inspirational, non-competitive, 12-hour overnight fundraising event that brings you and your community together to celebrate life and fight cancer. Relay For Life has a festival-like atmosphere that your family, friends and co-workers can enjoy - regardless of age or fitness level!

 

Teams of 10-15 people fundraise individually and as a team to help the Canadian Cancer Society save lives and support those who are facing cancer now. Relay participants make a commitment to raise at least $100 and are supported with all the tools needed to reach their goals.

 

At Relay, teams gather with cancer survivors at their local track, stadium or sports field and take turns walking laps all night. Each team keeps at least one member on the track at all times, while all around them the party is in full swing. Teams stay overnight in the decorated tent city, united together to enjoy music, food, activities, entertainment and to celebrate life.

 

“Relay For Life feels like a festival and a celebration of life. While cancer may have touched each of our lives it isn’t going to beat us.” – Tammy Horvath, cancer survivor

 

Why is Relay overnight?

 

For the thousands of Canadians fighting cancer right now, their journey is long and hard. From the shock of initial diagnosis, through days of treatment and the long nights that follow, for them, cancer never sleeps, so neither do we.

At Relay For Life, each step we take is our way of showing them that they are not alone. As the sun rises and Relay draws to a close, we commit to continuing the fight for life all year long.

 

What makes Relay special?

Relay For Life is a global movement against cancer, taking place in 20 countries worldwide, including over 500 communities across Canada. Although every Relay is unique, they all share:

·         Survivors’ Victory Lap – Cancer survivors are surrounded by an emotional wave of support as they walk the first lap of the evening. In this moment, survivors celebrate success in their battle with cancer and give hope to those still facing the disease.

·         Luminary Ceremony - Luminaries are special candles that honour cancer survivors and remember loved ones who have lost their fight with cancer.

·         After being lit during a twilight ceremony, luminaries provide light and inspiration to participants all night.

·         Fight Back Ceremony – As the sun rises, participants join together to make a personal commitment to fight back against cancer in their own lives all year long.

 

Where does the money go?

 

Every dollar you raise at Relay For Life helps the Canadian Cancer Society to have more impact, against more cancers in more communities than any other cancer charity in Canada. You are helping us to:

 

·         Fund life-saving cancer research. More people are surviving cancer than ever before. Today, 62% of people diagnosed with cancer will survive compared to only 25% in the 1940s when we began funding research.

·         Stop cancer before it starts. Our researchers are leading the fight to prevent cancer while we promote healthy lifestyles and advocate for policies that protect our health.

·         Ensure no one facing cancer is alone by offering compassionate services and support to those living with cancer and their families and friends.

·         Empower Canadians with information about cancer to help them make informed choices about their health.

This year marks the Canadian Cancer Society’s 75th year in the fight for life. Throughout this milestone year, the Society will celebrate victories made possible by donors, volunteers, partners and staff, while continuing to work towards a future where no Canadian fears cancer.

 

“Our team had a great time working together to reach our fundraising goals. As we walked the track at Relay, it was so meaningful knowing that our efforts will make a real impact in the fight against cancer.” – David White, team captain

by Alan Halberstadt www.alanhalberstadt.com