Cancer survivors invited to play special role in Relay for Life

By Missy Jenson
RR Relay for Life

Are you a survivor ?
If so, we are inviting you to participate as a survivor in the Canadian Cancer Relay for Life in Rainy River. Please join us as we celebrate survivorship. Cancer survivors will join together to start the event with the inspiring Survivors’ Victory lap. The involvement of survivors is critical to the success of Relay.
Friday June 24, 2011
Survivors’ Reception- 5pm in Riverview School Gym (Roast Beef Dinner)
Survivors’ Victory Lap- 7.pm. at Riverview Track
The Relay itself (run, walk, or stroll) is a 12 hour overnight, non-competitive event. Teams of 10 or more friends, family members or co-workers get together and form a Relay for Life team. Participants pitch tents which may be decorated according to this year’s theme, Colors of Cancer. The tent serves as the team’s headquarters. Each participant pays a minimum registration fee and is encouraged to collect donations (pledges) to provide funds for the FIGHT AGAINST CANCER.
Survivors are our special guests. You are welcome to bring one caregiver, family member or friend. Ask them to participate on teams. If you are participating on a team, you would be expected to pay the registration fee and raise funds as explained above.
Cancer survivors are welcomed at the Survivors’ Reception in the Riverview School Gym at 5pm where refreshments and dinner will be served. Survivors are introduced during the Opening Ceremony and are invited to begin the evening by walking the Survivors’ Victory Lap around the track (wheelchairs available). This is a declaration to the community that we are celebrating cancer survivorship. With you permission, we will read your name aloud to recognize you as a survivor, should you decide to join us.
We would like to invite you to stay for the remainder of the event. After the Survivors’ Victory Lap the other Relay for Life participants join in. Each team has one representative on the track at all times throughout the event.
At dusk, a Luminary Ceremony is held. Candles are lit around the track in honor of those who have survived and in memory of those who lost their battle with cancer. The candles remain lit through the night.
Throughout the evening you are welcome to enjoy a variety of lively entertainment or quiet camaraderie. Many will even be able to catch a few winks. At the closing ceremony in the morning the total amount raised will be announced.
We would be delighted to see you at our event.
To join the Survivors’ Victory Lap and attend the Survivors’ Reception, please R.S.V.P. by June 17, 2011 by registering online at www.relayforlife.ca or contacting Kim Desserre at 807-483-5412 or kimwade@vianet.ca
Please note: Bicycles and in-line skates should not be brought to Relay for Life events.
Relay for Life is a smoke-free and alcohol free event
Look for us at the Rainy River Trade Show on May 14th at the RR Rec Centre. Sign up to volunteer, register your team or come and see what Relay is all about!
Food Hamper Donations can be made at Beaver Mills Market. Proceeds go toward feeding the hundreds of people that have joined the fight against cancer at our 2nd Annual RR Relay for Life!
Also, if you are planning on registering a team for Relay for Life, you should do it fast!! Contact Melissa Jenson at 852-4576 or melissa_jenson@hotmail.com.
Hope to see everyone on June 24th at 7pm at Riverview School Track!