Here is final story I wrote for The Sentinel-Review to promote Relay For Life.
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By Mark Schadenberg
If you were to stage a large camping jamboree, you would require about 100 tents, some music, a large venue, lots of groceries, and about 1,000 people with a common purpose.
Candles (Luminaries) will light the night for the 13th Relay For Life in Woodstock, June 15 - 16 at College Avenue Secondary School, raising money and awareness for the works of the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS). Almost ironically, this ‘Field Of Dreams’ is named the Terry Fox Memorial Track as about 90 teams will set up campsites for a 12-hour vigil, which is more than just an evening of walking and reflecting, it’s a moment to ‘celebrate, remember and fight back.’
Field of Dreams is the 2012 theme as participants imagine a day where the battle to eliminate cancer has been won. Realistically it’s also a night to recall those who died from cancer.
Everyone has a different story to tell.
Committee co-chair Keri Axon looks back at cancer’s effects on her family.
“I Relay because both my mother and father had cancer, and I believe their prognosis would be entirely different, if they were living with cancer today,” says Axon, who chairs the steering committee alongside Kim Whitehead
“The gains (which have been made) in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer are significant,” Axon adds. “The Canadian Cancer Society is one of the largest lobby groups for prevention of cancer, which I personally believe is the key to winning against this disease.
“My dream is to see a world where there is no cancer. I want this world to exist for my family, particularly my five wonderful grandchildren.”
After raising $286,000 in 2011, the committee’s goal is $300,000 this year, which is a number that may be attained due to countless donations and volunteer hours. Food sponsors are many, but are highlighted by Swiss Chalet, Boston Pizza, Tim Hortons, and Sobeys.
The sale of luminaries at $5 apiece raises money and are also a beacon as approximately 2,000 tealight candles will light the way all night.
The evening’s opening ceremonies before 7 p.m. will feature Jessica Hagen of the local Jacob’s Story foundation and Mom of the late Jacob Hagen-Johnson.
The Survivor’s Victory Lap will follow. Cancer survivors can register online at www.relayforlife.ca/woodstock, at the CCS office at 65 Springbank Ave North, and beginning at 5 p.m. at CASS on the Friday night.
Relay For Life is also a family event as there is a children’s tent with face painting, Shrine clowns, the Home Depot craft activities, games and popcorn.
Entertainment has been coordinated by master of ceremonies and committee member Dan Henry of Heart FM, and includes the radio station’s Big Break talent contest winners Badly Sketched Poets on stage at 10:20 p.m. Performing earlier on the agenda will be the Sim School Highland Dancers, plus music groups New Monsters and Jackson Lane.
Another special guest will be found at the Fight Back Zone tent. Mark ‘The Machine’ Hominick of Thamesford and a world ranked MMA fighter as a featherweight in the UFC will be signing pictures from 6 – 8 p.m.
The Woodstock Camera Club and Shoppers Drug Mart are again combining forces to provide free team photos. There will also be a silent auction, while many of the teams have created games and activities to help pass the time.
While the Relay night includes entertainment, the solemn Lighting of the Luminaries ceremony at 10 p.m. can be described as poignant and a pause for thought.
Luminaries are designed to both be in memory of someone who has passed away from cancer, but also to honour survivors.
One committee member who is a cancer survivor, also lost a son to a rare skin cancer. John Hunt now speaks around the province at various CCS events and other Relay For Life benefits. John and Nancy Hunt’s son Mark died from cancer in May of 2010 at the age of 31. Mark Hunt was married and had a young family.
“No parents should have to go through what Nancy and I did. I can only hope that we can help prevent one case of cancer and save a life of someone else,” said John Hunt in explaining why he dedicates his time and resources to Relay For Life.
“The (CCS) funds research into all types of cancers and through this there will be many successes. Only by participating in (medical) trials can we help to advance treatments that are available. I myself have participated in two clinical trials in London,” added Hunt. “I travel around the province sharing my story and how I fight back against cancer. People need to hear from those who have been there. I feel it gives them more motivation to join the fight.”
Relay For Life always requires last minute volunteers. If you can assist, call the CCS at (519) 537-5592. Tasks are as varied as setting up the luminaries, to directing traffic and parking, to Saturday morning cleanup at 7 a.m., which is often led by people who have been awake all night, along with both the Lions Club and Knights of Columbus.
If you are unable to attend the Woodstock event, the Ingersoll Relay For Life is at IDCI high school, June 22-23.
At Woodstock’s Relay For Life the infield of the CASS track is converted into a campground. Participants are reminded to bring a coat, blanket and flashlight, but also rain gear, games and lots of enthusiasm.
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