Jun 21, 2012



Photo: Cancer survivors from North and Central Frontenac lead the opening Survivors Lap at the 5th annual Relay for Life in Parham

The 5th annual North & Central Frontenac Relay for Life, which was held on June 15/16 at Parham fairgrounds, attracted supporters and participants from all across Central and North Frontenac and raised more than $54,000 (with donations still coming).

Numerous dignitaries from Central and North Frontenac took to the stage at the opening ceremonies, which began with Ashley Brash singing the national anthem.

Central Frontenac Mayor Janet Gutowski and Councilor Jeff Matson both spoke about their personal connections with the disease that has touched so many in the community. Claire Macfarlane, former relay chair and founder, spoke of the history of the relay, which in five years has raised close to $300,000 for the cause, an incredible achievement for a relatively small rural community.

Chair of this year’s relay, Lesley Merrigan, then introduced her 11-member planning committee team and the 26 team leaders. She was thrilled about how the event came together so smoothly this year.

“I'm absolutely ecstatic,” she said, “the weather could not be better and all the participants have been absolutely fantastic. The incredible thing for me personally this year has been the fact that we had so many newbies on the planning committee and yet we still managed to come together and successfully pull everything off. The amazing support from this small community always blows me away. Needless to say, I'm really thrilled and can't stop smiling.”

Diane Whan did a fine job emceeing the event, which kept over 250 walkers entertained throughout the night with an impressive line up of musical guests that included Bauder Road, Picket Fences and Still Standin’ in addition to a number of fun activities throughout the night.

One of the more emotional moments at the event was a speech delivered by Janice Morrow, who spoke on behalf of all of the cancer survivors who attended the event and walked in the opening Survivors Lap. Morrow spoke of her experience with cancer, which began after being diagnosed with metastatic thyroid cancer at the age of 32. She was overcome with emotion speaking of how she and her family, husband John and two young sons, got through the ordeal that included surgeries and difficult treatments and how the initial diagnosis left her raging and often distraught. Now 16 years later, Morrow is cancer free.

“Now I live each day to the fullest, love every sunrise and sunset, and am grateful to have been able to watch my sons grow. Now I use any excuse I can to get family and friends together.”

She also had words for others in the midst of their own cancer journey.

“You are not alone. Use your support systems and community agencies to the fullest. Keep a positive attitude and fight back with everything that you've got,” she said.

Joan Gowsell, fundraising chair, and Craig Faucette, Manager of the Canadian Cancer Society's Frontenac Lennox and Addington unit, were both on hand at the event and were delighted with what they saw.

“We really appreciate the effort and participation at this event and wanted to be here tonight to show our appreciation,” Craig said. Joan added, “It's my first time here and I'm really impressed with how this small community rallies together. It's such a warm community and I'm amazed at what they have been able to do.”

Perhaps the reason that the relay continues to draw such tremendous support from the community lies in its ability to offer participants a chance to experience the wide spectrum of various emotions that the disease invokes.

Whether a cancer survivor celebrating a victory, or one who has lost a loved one and lights a luminary after dark in their memory, or as a youngster camping out with friends and family and walking side by side with other members of the community, the event continues to open the hearts, minds and purses for those who in various ways have been touched by cancer.

 

 

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