The event has seen over $1.1 million raised in nine years to fight cancer and the Estevan Relay for Life found new life and new energy with its 2014 version.
After a couple of years of stabilized but promising results, this year's event attracted even more participants and a modest but significant hike in financial support.
Alva Iwanchuk, a relative newcomer to Estevan but one who was willing to step up and serve as president for this year's relay, credits the spirit of cancer survivors and a generous community for the upsurge in support.
"Next year will be the 10th anniversary of the Relay for Life in Estevan. I expect it will be a good one," said Iwanchuk.
"It will be bigger," said long-time volunteer Tina Bird, who has served as a chairwoman for several relay committees over the years.
"We had 12 teams this year, two more than last year and we raised $82,463.21, which beat our target of $80,500," said Bird, who was charged with the duties of keeping track of the money and participation numbers this year.
Last year's fundraising effort netted $60,150, which had put the local relay well above the $1 million mark.
With 12 teams involved, and 109 participants this year, compared with 81 last year, the road ahead is clear for the 2015 celebration of life.
"We also had 39 survivor participants this year, which I believe is an increase over the past few years," said Bird.
The event can't be staged without volunteers, and this year there were 78 of them who got involved and helped out in several ways through committee and logistical efforts.
The all-night walkathon once again included the powerful and emotional survivor's lap that lends an official start to proceedings following some entertainment and opening remarks from committee and city dignitaries. This year the survivors were led by the Estevan PPCLI Army Cadet pipe and drummers.
"There were no glitches overnight either," said Bird, of the marathon that includes team members relaying onto the walking path around the Civic Auditorium, ensuring that each team has at least one member walking at all times throughout the evening, up until 7 a.m. the following day.
"Cancer doesn't sleep. That's why we don't," said Iwanchuk, noting on Monday morning that "once you get past 60, it gets a little harder to do, but what the heck "
Iwanchuk, who moved to Estevan in August of last year, said she had been involved in the Relay for Life in Swan River Man., for several years, being on several committees in honour of her sister who has been a cancer survivor for over 15 years.
"It went smoothly. Everyone had a good time," she noted.
Prior to the start of the marathon, Iwanchuk said the Relay for Life was an opportunity to join others around the world who are simply wanting more birthdays for their loved ones.
"We celebrate the survivors while remembering those who lost the war. We are turning what we know into learning what we can learn to fight it."
Mayor Roy Ludwig reminded those at the opening ceremonies that all of us are touched by cancer in one way or another, whether it be ourselves or someone we know and love.
Former co-chairs Carol Cundall and Mary Antonenko introduced the 2014 honourary chairwoman Marlene Gaudry who is currently fighting back Stage 4 ovarian cancer with determination and resolve.
Gaudry noted her cancer was finally diagnosed in mid-2013 and Cundall said she serves as an inspiration for all those fighting cancer or those who have fought it in the past.
"Oh, I had the classic symptoms," said Gaudry, noting her false starts at diagnosis in the local emergency scenes before a visit to the Regina emergency ward, where she and her husband Duane received the bombastic news she had advanced cancer. A series of treatments and surgeries led to some hope that she was winning the battle, but a recent setback and the appearance of another tumour has triggered a fresh round of chemo treatments, and a fresh round of resolve for her, she said.
"I will continue to fight back and not merely to survive, but to celebrate caregivers, too. My favourite thing about the relay is that there is also a focus on caregivers, and I have a network of caregivers including my husband who even in sickness, when I'm bald and weak, says I look beautiful. You can't beat that."
Gaudry added that funds that are directed toward cancer research and exchanges of information, including a celebration of those who fought bravely in the past. That was important as the relays moved forward every year.
Cundall said Gaudry's remarks would inspire others to provide positive feedback to her and others who are in mid-stages of their fights.
"The survivor's lap is pretty impressive, and the numbers are growing every year," said Iwanchuk. "I plan on being involved for some time yet. I'm looking forward to the 10th anniversary. I had good committees this year, they knew what they had to do and did it."
"I think we were ready for pretty well anything this year," said Bird, whether it was weather, power outages or over-fatigued participants.
Bird added that four teams who were new to the relay experience this year have already indicated interest in the special 10th anniversary relay in 2015.
"It's another example of our community pulling together," Bird said.
The relay this year again included many entertainment features including opening musical numbers, gymnastics and exercise groups, the presentation of a cheque from Weldon School in Bienfait for $5,560 representing the proceeds from their mini Relay for Life held a week earlier, and a live auction of donated items and the emotional luminary lighting ceremony halfway through the evening.
A church service and awards presentation preceded the 7 a.m. closing ceremonies.
Remember and Fight Back were the themes for this year's Relay for Life.
