Relay for Life: The aftermath

The Relay For Life was a great chance for me not only to raise some money for cancer research, but also to come together with other cancer survivors. This was my first year participating in the event, so everything was rather new to me. My cousin, Jenn, and I gathered up a group of 9 family members and friends and had each person independantly raise a minimum of $100. All team members were successful in meeting their personal fundraising goals and I was thrilled to have raised $800 on my own. By the time the Relay approached we raised a collective total of approx. $1800! Although I am satisfied with the amount we raised and grateful to have had all the help and support of my team members and those who pledged us, I definitely think that there are some things I would like to do differently next year in terms of fundraising. Rather than having each person raise money individually only, it would be an excellent idea to incorporate fundrasing ideas like yard sales, basket tickets, bake sales, and such. It would also help for team members to begin fundraising well before the event as a collective group and to have team meetings frequently.

The event went something like this: Team members showed up to the track at approx. 4pm and set up tents, coolers, blankets, lawn chairs, a team sign, and other supplies in the middle of the track. Team members then met back at the track at 7pm. There was a stage and bbq pits set up near the track as well as a large building complete with a stage, lots of activities, food, and washrooms which could be accessed all evening. The evening began with a gathering of the cancer survivors, all decked out in their yellow t-shirts, at the stage. Volunteers then read out a hefty list of cancer survivors who all stood by triumphantly. As I joined this large and immaculate group of people, I began to feel a mosaic of strong emotions. I felt amazed at all the people here who looked so incrediby "normal" and who had all faced this deadly disease. I wondered what they had gone through and how they must be doing at present. I felt comfort because I knew I was not alone. I felt proud, powerful, and triumphant to be able to stand there amongst all those brave souls. I beat this disease and came out stronger and more beautiful than ever before on so many new levels. I felt supported and loved.

The next event was the "Survivor's Victory Lap," where all the brave souls in yellow t-shirts walked one lap of the track in celebration of life. We walked in order of children survivors, young adult survivors, and then all other survivors. I felt so hurt when I saw three small children accompanied by their parents at the beginning of the line. What must these poor little things have gone through? No child should have to go through such an awful thing. When it was time for young adults to walk, I walked alone. No one joined me. I was shocked that of the hundreds of survivors walking the track, I was the only young adult. An elderly lady quickly joined my side and we exhanged stories of battle as we walked the narrow pathway. She told me that five years ago she was diagnosed with advanced lung cancer. She was not a smoker. They had given her six months to live and decided not to give her chemo so as to make her last months on this earth as comfortable as possible. They did, however, decide to give her radiation treatment in hopes to shrink the tumor to relieve some discomfort. Six months later she was still fighting. They went in to check the progress of the cancer and found nothing but scar tissue. No tumors. Now, five years later, she still appears to be cancer-free. She looked strong, healthy, and happy as she walked victoriously around the track and suddenly I was overcome with hope and courage. As we neared the end of the track, we were met by hundreds of interested faces with mixed expressions--some smiled, some cried, some clapped, and some cheered. I looked on and saw my team cheering me on. My mother and Mike smiled proudly, my aunt cried, my cousins clapped and waved. I felt so victorious.

The teams were then given an hour to socialize and eat, and at dusk it was time for the "Luminary Ceremony." The track was lined with hundreds of little white paper bags filled with little tealight candles. Each bag read "In Memory of ... " or "In Honour of..." and some had an additional message written as well. Luminaries were purchased before the Relay by friends and loved ones of cancer victims and survivors. During the ceremony all the tealights inside their little bags were lit, leaving the track a beautiful spectacle of lights. Everyone was given the chance to walk around and read the names and to say a prayer for special people if they wished. It was an excellent chance to remember those lost and to celebrate those still alive who battled cancer. As I walked around tears filled my eyes--it was a very touching ceremony.

Because the Relay For Life is a 12 hour ceremony, there was still at least nine hours to go after all the ceremonies were completed. Nonetheless, there were plenty of things to do during that time. Inside the adjacent building there were tables of food, poker tables, 2 massage tables complete with lisenced physiotherapists, and cancer information booths. There were also intermittent on-stage performances throughout the night, including karaoke, a men's fashion shows, some local music performances, and various speeches. Our team members walked the track in pairs and when we were not walking we were either indoors or sitting outside around our tent chatting.

My only complaints about the Relay were both the date and time of the event--June 6th from 7pm-7am. Any of you who are from Cape Breton should know that early June is by no means a warm time of year for this area. I was still wearing sweaters and jackets at this time! So, by midnight it was absolutely freezing out. I was wearing my winter parka and everyone was bundled up in big blankets and hoods. In addition, it was extremely difficult to stay awake for the entire event. First of all, participants were tired from a combination of all the prep work involved in the event, all the activities that took place during the first few hours of the event, and, of course, the time of night. Many of the participants were also people who had recently finished chemo (some were still undergoing chemo), so I thought this should have been taken into consideration when a time slot was considered for the event. In my opinion, the event would have been much more fun and more successful it was held throughout the day/evening (i.e. 9am-9pm, or 12pm-12am) rather than in the middle of the night. I also thought it would have been much more enjoyable if it were held in July or August (especially in this area) when it is warmer.

Overall, however, I thought the Relay was an great time and an excellent opportunity to raise money for cancer research. I would definitely encourage you to take part in the event next year if you have not already done so. I will likely write into the cancer society with suggestions for future changes.