Almost everyone has in some way been touched by cancer. With so many people being diagnosed with the disease it is easy for many to put a face to cancer, having a family member, friend, or co-worker diagnosed.
Almost everyone has in some way been touched by cancer. With so many people being diagnosed with the disease it is easy for many to put a face to cancer, having a family member, friend, or co-worker diagnosed.
One of the ways to support the fight against cancer is to join the fundraising efforts for the Weyburn Relay for Life. The relay is set to start on Friday, June 1, with the 12-hour long relay starting at 6 p.m. and going until 6 a.m. Saturday, June 2.
Caroline Gillies, chair of the Weyburn Relay for Life, wants those who have had friends and family touched by the disease to remember those who have lost their battle and to support those who are still fighting.
"Every time I talk to someone about why they relay, everyone has a story about knowing someone who has had cancer - an uncle, an aunt - giving them a reason to fight cancer," said Gillies.
For the second year in a row, the event will be held inside at Crescent Point Place.
Opening ceremonies for the relay start at 6 p.m. after which cancer survivors, dressed in yellow, are invited to take the first lap in celebration of their victory over the disease.
Members of fundraising teams then take shifts walking around the ice surface while resting members are entertained with a number of performances including the STARS Show Choir, the Comp Girls Choir, magician Richy Roy, among others.
Event participants will also have a number of games to keep them entertained during the evening including limbo, zoomba, and a poker derby.
At 10 p.m. the luminary ceremony takes place, with participants lighting luminaries in remembrance of those still battling cancer and those who have lost the fight.
"The luminaries contain notes and messages that are in loving memory of people who have lost their fight or who are still fighting cancer," said Gillies.
The relay is looking to raise $97,000 this year to donate to the Canadian Cancer Society, hitting over $100,000 in years past.
"The fundraising goal is $97,000, but even if we don't achieve it, every dollar raised can be put to good use," said Gillies.
The Canadian Cancer Society uses the money for a number of things including research, prevention, education, as well as quality of life programs for those suffering from the disease.
Currently the relay has 15 teams signed up, but Gillies said that teams are still being accepted. She also noted that survivors are always welcome to sign-up to take part in the event.
Volunteer staff are also still needed for the event. Anyone interested can contact the Canadian Cancer Society to find out how they can help.
