2012 Relay for Life Kick-off offers up a challenge

Photo: Organizers of the North and Central Frontenac Relay for Life 2012 kicked off the year at a breakfast at the Sharbot Lake Legion Branch 425

Organizers and volunteers for the 2012 North and Central Frontenac Relay for Life held a kick-off breakfast at the Sharbot Lake Legion on Feb. 4. The event was a huge success, with 11 teams registering and the Sharbot Lake Legion donating all of their breakfast proceeds to the cause.

Lesley Merrigan, who is chairing this year's event, said the event is “our big push to get people on board and to point them in the right direction.” She spoke of the significance of the Relay motto “Celebrate, Remember and Fight Back”.

Registration chair Christine Teal was offering kick off "Incentives" to prospective participants, and five teams won a number of prizes. The winners were: The Ultimate Relay Team - Masonic Lodge team; Midnight Munchies at campsite - Carol Vallier's team; Port-a-Potty at campsite - Keeping Angels on Earth; Midnight Massage - RBC Racing for a Cure; Water Cooler at campsite - Patti Middleton's team.

Joan Gowsell, fundraising coordinator for the Canadian Cancer Society of Frontenac Lennox and Addington, attended the event and spoke of the amazing ability of this small community to contribute to cancer research. “Most of the committee members for this year's Relay are brand new members and we are really excited to have their new energy this year. Looking back to last year's team who threw the event together at the very last minute and raised over $30,000, I can only imagine what this year's group will be able to accomplish.”

Penny Cota of Tichborne is this year's survivor co-chair and she spoke about her personal battle with the disease after being diagnosed with breast cancer in January 2011. After undergoing two surgeries, six rounds of chemotherapy and 20 rounds of radiation over a five-month period, Penny, who is now cancer free, credited the incredible support she received from the community during her ordeal. “Up until this past year I had always attended the relay event as a supporter myself for those who have had the disease and I have had a lot of family members and friends who have battled it. But to end up on the other end of it makes you really appreciate all of the advances that have been made in treatments and how the money raised through the event can help people get the treatment they require.”

Penny put forth a challenge to local politicians in her goal to increase awareness and support for the local event. “I want to put forward a challenge to Scott Reid and Randy Hillier as our elected officials that they put in teams in this year's event and to walk with us and see exactly how everyone comes together in support of the important event. This event is a huge deal for this community and if they want to see what we are all about this is a great way to do it. “

Relay organizers are looking forward to many more team registrations. Anyone who missed the kick off but who would still like to participate and/or volunteer can contact Christine Teal at 613-375-6525 or visit the website to register at convio.cancer.ca and go to the Sharbot Lake site.