Why I will be Participating in this year’s Relay for Life
This years Canadian Cancer Society’s “Relay for Life” will be held at the Art Fraser Memorial Park from 11AM – 11PM Saturday June 7th.
Laura McGuire is the Fort Nelson coordinator, and it was good to see the photo and informative caption in last weeks “Community” section of the Fort Nelson News. What wasn’t mentioned was the fact that the event wouldn’t have happened last year if not for Laura. As often is the case, key organizers of earlier successful campaigns had given mightily, and run out of steam, and many other worthwhile events sought the time and resources of Fort Nelson’s volunteers and movers and shakers.
But Laura’s life, like many of ours, had been touched by cancer up close and personal.
Her Mom, Cheryl, developed and bravely fought a battle with cancer. Unfortunately Cheryl passed away after only a few months of it being detected in 2010. Earlier detection could have had different results.
The Canadian Cancer Society proved to be a huge help in turmoil of their lives ~ with helpful information, with travel and housing assistance while Cheryl was out having treatments in Vancouver, and with a huge support network.
The work of the Cancer Society and recognition of their contribution in no means lessens the appreciation due many specific Fort Nelson and area individuals and parties who also went above and beyond at this trying time … the Fort Nelson Hospice society, Fort Nelson General Hospital, the palliative care unit and specifically Cathy Dolan, RN lead the list.
And so, Laura grabbed the bull by the horns, and made darn sure the 2013 Fort Nelson “Relay for life” did not burn out, and was in fact a reality. For her Mom, and for her daughter, and for herself. Because it was important. Good for you Laura.
Less than 50 people live in Toad River where I’ve called home these past four years, (after more that 50 years in the Fort Nelson area).
This past year, three of us received the cancer diagnosis. (Mike passed away just four years ago.)
Miles is looking great after her successful cancer treatments, and has received the cancer free good news.
I found out that the warranty had expired on some of my giblets (okay … prostate) and after early detection and weighing different options, had surgery this January. I welcomed the cancer free followup report in March.
Pam’s cancer was not been caught early… she passed away in January. I was not alone shedding tears for her and her children David and Jessie.
For these, among other reason’s, I’ll be participating and supporting the Relay for Life, and proudly wearing my cancer survivor T-Shirt in the Survivors lap.
As I was heading off for my surgery, my good friend and cartoonist Ted Couling dashed me off an quick email of a cartoon he created for me ~ “Be strong like Buffalo” he captioned it. I’m happy to lead the “Strong like Buffalo” team for the relay for life. I hope to see you down at the event.Feel free to support our team. … but if you’ve been touched my cancer, support ANY team.
Do your part by volunteering, participate on a team yourself, buy a luminary, and helping to raise awareness.
It’s important! Here’s the local contact info for further details… Relay for Life coordinator – Laura McGuire 250-774-5202. Saturday June 7th.
Be there.
Respectfully Submitted
Earl L Brown – cancer survivor.
“Strong like Buffalo”
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