Celebrate, remember, fight back
March 18, 2011 7:44 PM
The Canadian Cancer Society describes Relay for Life as “more than just a fundraiser. It 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.”
Megan Pike, registration co-chair for StFX Relay For Life explains, “Relay For Life is the largest fundraiser for the Canadian Cancer Society. It is an event that allows you to remember loved ones you have lost to cancer, and celebrate the people you know who have won the fight against the disease.”
StFX’s Relay for Life will take place on Friday, March 18.
Relay For Life is a 12-hour (7:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.) walking event in which a member from each team must be walking at all times.
Registered teams fundraise with the ultimate goal to raise the largest amount. The money goes towards the Canadian Cancer Society for research and education.
“Last year StFX Relay For Life raised an astounding $64, 393,” proclaimed Pike. “But our goal this year is $69, 000.”
The great thing about StFX Relay For Life is the fact that it is mostly students participating. Although most students don’t have a lot of money, they are still donating, and fundraising, for this great cause.
During the 12-hour time period, there are many fun activities for the participants to partake in. “There is live music and entertainment, exciting games and activities, an open mic, Zumba and many more new, fun activities this year.”
The fun and games are a good way to meet people and stay up all night. However, there are some very emotional points of the night as well.
The beginning of the night begins with the survivor walk. This is when survivors of cancer walk around the track and give everyone watching the hope they are looking for to fight this disease. This walk is very inspirational, and emotional for not only those watching, but the survivors as well.
Another inspirational part of the night is the luminary ceremony. This ceremony is a wonderful way for people to remember the loved ones they are walking for and light a candle in their name.
Luminaries are candle holders in memory or in honour of someone who currently has cancer, who has beaten cancer, or who has passed away from it. The name of the person is put on the luminary and is decorated beautifully. These luminaries outline the track that the teams are walking on all night.
To donate to this event, go to www.cancersociety.ca/relay. Choose Nova Scotia and StFX University. Next select a team or individual to donate to. Any amount counts, and donations will be accepted up to and after the event date of March 18.
