The Canadian Cancer Society club at York University presents the fifth annual Relay For Life, a 12-hour fundraising event on March 21 from 8pm to 8am, where participants walk, run or stroll to raise funds to support research in the fight against cancer.
The University’s Relay for Life event begins with an opening ceremony featuring a number of speeches by cancer survivors from the York University community. The event will then move into a Victory Lap with survivors leading the way. There will also be a Luminary Ceremony where participants engage in a moment of silence for those who have died and those still fighting. With activities throughout the night and appearances from York Tones, the steel band club at York, the University’s Relay For Life hopes to engage and inspire.
This year, The Canadian Cancer Society club at York hopes to raise $30,000 for cancer research and programs. “We all know or know of someone who has been touched by cancer. Relay for Life is our way of showing both support for those who have been affected, and fighting for those who will be, in hopes that one day, cancer will affect no one,” says Anita Bidhesi, presidential adviser with the Canadian Cancer Society club at York.
The Canadian Cancer Society club at York has participated in several themed events during the academic year to promote cancer awareness. From their Movember moustache competition to their gaming event, “Minute for Cancer” the student club has raised funds for cancer research and connects with students who are also interested in helping in the fight against cancer.
The first Relay For Life event in Canada was held in 1999 and raised $85,000. Since then, Relay for Life has become a global movement against cancer, taking place in 24 countries worldwide, including over 500 communities across Canada; raising over $496.5 million dollars for cancer research and support programs.
Relay For Life is symbolic of a cancer patient’s journey, from the initial diagnosis, through the days of treatment and the long nights that await them. The Canadian Cancer Society describes cancer as never sleeping, so for one day, Relay For Life participants won’t either.
To donate, visit the Relay For Life website.
By Shanice Grocia, communications assistant