Lace up your sneakers and get ready to hit the track, the Canadian Cancer Society is on the hunt for those willing to walk for the fight against cancer.
The society’s Relay for Life will be making its way to Cochrane’s Spray Lake Sawmills Family Sports Centre June 7. Starting at 7 p.m., participants will take to the arena floor, walking laps in support of the fight against cancer. The final laps of the 12-hour-long fundraiser will be completed at 7 a.m., June 8.
“The relay is such a good way to celebrate those who have survived cancer, recognize those who have lost their battle and support those who are fighting the disease,” said Caitlin Herrick, revenue development coordinator with the Canadian Cancer Society. “No one should have to go through the journey on their own.”
Registration has opened for the Cochrane-leg of the Relay for Life. Herrick recommended teams consist of about 10 people. Although there is no fundraising minimum, Herrick said each participant is encouraged to raise about $100.
The evening will kick off with a salute to survivors, with cancer survivors — in various stages of treatment and recovery — joining teams for a victory lap. Team members will take turns walking laps along the outer edge of the arena; the inside of the track will be home to tents and activities.
At about 10 p.m., luminaries will be ignited in honour of loved ones who lost their fight with cancer.
“This portion of the night is so impactful,” said Herrick. “You get to see just how many people are touched by cancer. You the importance of the fight.”
Talks about the battle against cancer will ring out across the arena in the morning hours of the event, said Herrick.
Last year’s Cochrane relay raised about $30,000 for the Canadian Cancer Society. Herrick said she hopes to reach at least that amount this June.
Proceeds from the event are divided between cancer research, support services and advocacy.
“These funds help us to fight the more than 200 cancers that affect Canadians everyday,” she said.
To register a team, or learn more about the Cochrane Relay for Life, go to cancer.ca.
