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What is Relay?

May 16, 2012 | 1:44 PM

June 1 is the 11th Annual Relay for Life event in Prince Albert. The event will bring hundreds of participants to Harry Jerome track to celebrate, remember and fight back against Cancer. Everyone one of us knows someone touched by cancer. When we hear those words “cancer” we think life as we know it will never be the same. For a few the fight of their lives has only begun. But for many the fight has been won. The report from their doctor reads “you are cancer free.” What a relief to have won that battle!

A Relay you will hear three common themes. Celebrate, Remember and Fight Back. We celebrate those who fought the disease and beat it. We call these people survivors. From young children to older adults, rich or poor, man or women, the survivors are heroes for the evening. They are VIPs who we honor at the beginning in the victory lap. Maybe you know someone whose fought the battle and won. Maybe you yourself are a cancer survivor. We want to honor you but more importantly with the hundreds of other survivors, there is strength in numbers. Strengthen to know there are many more just like you. People with courage, strength, determination and the love of so many to have fought and won. If you are a survivor or know someone who is register with us today. Call Charlene at 764-4808 to register!

An act of remembrance happens as the sun sets, the candles are lit and the pipers play when all action stops to remember those that fought the battle but did not survive. Their courage, strength but most important their memories live on in loved ones, family or friends through luminaries. Over 2000 bags with candles line the track. 2000 candles lite break the darkness. 2000 names will be remembered as we honor someone’s memory. Do you have someone you’d like to remember? Then purchase a luminary. How? The easiest way is visit the Cancer office or the Relay event on June 1 but you can again call the cancer office at 764-4808 for a location near you to purchase your luminary. $5.00 is all they cost!

In the early morning hours of Saturday, June 2 the participants many tired and with sore feet with be challenged to fight back. Fight back gives all of us a goal to achieve. Maybe you want to get more rest, exercise, eat healthier, stop smoking or wear sun screen. These steps make you a healthier person but also lessen your chance of getting cancer. The Fight Back ceremony challenges those present to make a personal commitment to do one thing to help their lives be better.