For its 10th year, the Central Frontenac Relay For Life committee (Vicki Babcock, Christine Teal, Penny Cota, Margo McCullough and Liz Norton along with GREC students Sadie Clarke and Samantha Sproule) opted for an indoor venue at St. James Major in Sharbot Lake. Previous incarnations had been held at the Parham Fairgrounds.

“We really didn’t have the numbers to hold it outdoors this year,” said Babcock. “So we decided to hold it indoors — a 10th birthday party.”

So, with a sponsorship from W. A. Robinson Asset Management Ltd. they hired some musical performers and did just that.

Of course there was the traditional Survivors Lap, sponsors and a silent auction, as well as a number of speakers for the opening ceremonies.

“We’re a small community, Kingston is our suburbs,” said Mayor Frances Smith. “But the enthusiasm to get the job done here is amazing.

“We’ve raised a lot of money, helped many people we know and many we don’t know.”

The Central Frontenac Relay For Life has raised about $250,000 in its 10 years, said Babcock.

“Volunteer spirit is the lifeblood of this community,” said Coun. Brent Cameron. “So much is done because people take the initiative and step forward.

“You really do make this a place we can all be proud of.”

Brad Warner, representing the Canadian Cancer Society praised the work of GREC students this year and said Relay For Life has raised about $11 million in Ontario this year.

“Where does the money go?” he asked. “Well, $125 million has gone into the Clinical Trials Group in Kingston.

“For many people, clinical trials is a last resort and it’s some thing people from this area can use.

“It’s also one of the most recognized groups in North America.”

But perhaps the most poignant words came from young Kylie Babcock, who will be an eight-year survivor in September. Kylie was diagnosed with stage 4 liver cancer just before she turned two years old.

“They helped me,” she said. “Relay For Life helped me get to my appointments and they’ve helped a lot of people.”

Mark the date down…Friday May 19th from 6 pm to midnight – Parham Ball Field, that is the date for this year's North and Central Frontenac's Relay for Life. This year’s Relay for Life marks 10 years – that is 10 years of commitment, 10 years of volunteering, 10 years of passion, 10 years of hoping and praying for the Cure.

Cancer has affected each and every one of us, maybe we haven’t been given the diagnosis directly, but I’m sure that a loved one has. Think back and remember that time, the place, how it made you feel. How helpless you felt to want to do something but not really knowing exactly what to do or say.

I remember gathering together with my family at my parent’s house – just before Christmas to hear those dreaded words….your father has Prostrate Cancer…No – it can’t be…he’s my Daddy!!  Surely the Doctors are wrong!!! The readings were so high that we had to be prepared for the worse...the Cancer to have spread to his bones and the prognosis was not good. Bone scan.....Radiation,.....medication.. ...the numerous trips to Kingston…. again...not good. So how I ask, do you keep it together to give your kids a good Christmas when you know that this may in fact be their last Christmas with “Poppa” and you with your Precious Father. How?? Somehow we managed, it was a quiet, thankful Christmas – we lived in the moment and made memories, memories that we all could share. I am happy to report that my dad did not have Bone Cancer and my dad, my children’s Poppa and our Families Rock – walks the Survivor Lap at Relay for Life every year – as a reminder to all that we can and WILL make more survivors.

Well, here is your chance to be able to do something. Join us for our Relay – call 10 friends, family, co-workers – the team that you coach – whatever the case – gather a group together – collect $10 from each of them and you are well on your way to making Cancer History – Together we can do this.

When you hear the word Cancer what do you think of? Your mother losing her hair? Your Dad as he takes his last breath? Your Newborn Baby and what is in store for them?The travel time taking your daughter to her chemo treatment? Your son as he struggles with the reality?  We need to do something so our kids, and grandkids don't have to be scared of that diagnosis The time is now...we need your help to make things happen.  So let's all get up and walk that line (or track) We have all seen how it affect our loved ones.

We have the entertainment all lined up....we just need the people!!! Steven Goodberry - Elvis Impersonator - along with his family, Zack Teal.....HD Supply is ready to rock the night away....and Dave Limber and friends - you don't want to miss this event!!! Remember that there is no admission but donations to the North and Central Frontenac Relay for Life is greatly appreciated!!! District #4 Recreation Committee will have the canteen open, we have some fun games to entertain young and young at heart - Come one and all and help us Celebrate our 10th Year.  Registration is open - we need to confirm teams by May 5th - so don't delay - I am waiting for your email... This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The 2016 North & Central Frontenac Relay for Life took place on June 18 at the Parham fairgrounds. Ten teams, with 64 participants in all, walked many laps around the dusty track under a blistering sun, and although the extremely hot weather undoubtedly kept some from attending, spirits stayed high as the walkers focused on their goal – raising money to fight cancer.

The Relay organizing committee had six members this year. Vicki Babcock has been the chair of the Survivors’ committee for a few years, and this is her first year as Relay chair. She has a very personal reason for all her work with the Relay. Her eight-year-old daughter, Kylie, battled cancer as a toddler and has been cancer-free for seven years now, so the family has experienced first-hand the benefits of the funds raised through Relay. Tragically, the family has also lost four members to cancer in the last two years.

Doug Kane, unit manager at the Kingston Lennox and Addington Canadian Cancer Society (CCS), spoke at the opening ceremonies. He thanked the participants and especially the Survivors for attending, saying they are “walking, talking billboards” for what the funds raised through the Relay do. He said that the CCS is the only cancer charity that funds research into all the 200 plus types of cancer and that because of research, the survival rates for many cancers have improved dramatically. For example, the cure rate for breast cancer now hovers around 90% - a dramatic increase over the years. Relay dollars also help fund the CCS’s Wheels of Hope program, which provided 9,000 rides for cancer patients in the last 12 months.

Doug Kane encouraged attendees to call the CCS office if they or anyone they know is battling cancer and has questions, saying, “If we can’t help you, we’ll find someone who has the answers for you.”

He told the audience that the epicenter in Canada for clinical trials is actually based in Kingston, not in a larger city, and introduced its head, Dr. Chris O'Callaghan, who spoke about his group’s work. The core of funding for clinical trials comes from the CCS and they have resulted in many advances in treatments. O’Callaghan gave one local example: Gord Bowie of the rock band, the Tragically Hip, was recently diagnosed with a rare form of brain cancer. Fifteen years ago, the only treatment for this type of cancer was radiation, but now a new drug, which clinical trials have proven to be beneficial, has been added to treatment options.

Central Frontenac Councilor Brent Cameron told the story of how his father-in-law battled cancer for a year and a half. He emphasized to the audience that though his father-in-law “did not prevail, he did not lose the battle.” Cameron said, “You only lose when you give up, when you accept things as they are.”

Tracy Vallier, who later led zumba for relay participants, also spoke at the opening ceremonies. She told the story of her eight-year-old daughter, Alison, who was diagnosed with leukemia in January 2015. Alison was severely ill and fought for her life for several months, but is doing really well now. The survival rate today for the type of leukemia she has is 90%, another dramatic improvement thanks to research. Because of one of the drugs Alison is taking, Tracy regretfully had to tell her daughter that she could not do gymnastics, to which Alison replied, “When I’m done cancer, I’ll do gymnastics again.”

“She said ‘When’, not ‘If’,” Tracy emphasized in speaking of her daughter’s spirit.

After the speeches the relay started in earnest, with music and many fun activities to encourage the walkers, including water balloon tosses at committee members. On average, participants did anywhere from 30 to 50 laps each.

Among those walking was David Yerxa of Sharbot Lake. David has cerebral palsy and was an inspiration to his fellow participants as he completed 22 laps around the track. The sandy soil made one part of the track difficult for him to negotiate with his walker, but with his usual cheerful perseverance, he simply turned it around and went backwards on that stretch.

When all was wrapped up, this year’s relay raised $20,955 and organizers are already planning for next year.

Prince Charles Public School in Verona held their 8th annual Relay for Life fund-raising event last Friday, June 10, under the brilliant late spring sunshine.

Cam Whalen, who co-ordinates student relay events for the Canadian Cancer Society in eastern Ontario, was on hand for the opening of the event.

He said that Prince Charles is one of only two elementary schools in the entire region that holds an event, along with Winston Churchill in Kingston.

He told the students that over eight years they have raised over $15,000 to go towards cancer research.

“While it takes millions to find a cure, sometimes small grants have big results,” he said, and talked about a new treatment that will soon be available that uses a virus that eats cancer cells but is benign otherwise.

“The original grant for that project was for $25,000,” he said, “so the money you have raised really does lead to cures.”

Prince Charles principal, Peter Dendy, said that at the kickoff assembly for relay this year, before the pledge sheets were handed out and students were told how to go about getting sponsors, he asked the students to raise their hands if they knew of anyone in their family who had been affected by cancer.

“Ninety-five percent of you raised your hands,” he told the students, “so you all know what this is about.”

Before the students started to walk around the school’s track for the afternoon, a Survivors’ lap was completed by Joyce Dendy, Peter's mother, and Doug McIntyre, who is a very popular crossing guard at Prince Charles.

The students all joined in after the first lap. Over 100 students participated in the rally.

The tally of the amount raised has not been completed yet, but will be available within a week.

The way Canadians consume health information has evolved over the years. Twenty years ago, when the Canadian Cancer Society launched its Cancer Information Service, inquires came via phone call, with their staff answering questions and mailing out brochures to patients and their families. Nowadays, the service also fields more emails and people access the society’s website, cancer.ca which is jam-packed with anything you ever wanted to know about cancer.

“Facing cancer is hard. People have many worries and questions during what may be the most stressful time in their lives or the lives of a loved one,” says Doug Kane, Manager, Canadian Cancer Society F.L.A. & The Waterways Community office. “It’s easy to become overwhelmed. Don’t face cancer alone. Instead, we urge people to contact our free Cancer Information Service.”

No matter where they live in the country, the Cancer Information Service can help people with their questions about more than 200 different types of cancer, treatment, diagnosis, care, services and much more. In addition, the service can connect patients and family caregivers to local community support programs and services if needed.

On June 18 folks in North & Central Frontenac and surrounding area are raising funds for the Canadian Cancer Society’s Relay For Life. When you make a donation to Relay For Life, you are helping people in your community living with cancer. Your donation also funds life-saving research and other important work so that fewer Canadians are touched by the disease. To contact the Cancer Information Service, call 1 888-939-3333 or visit cancer.ca

Janice Conway has always been a supporter of the North and Central Frontenac Relay for Life, which is taking place this year on June 18 at the Parham Fairgrounds, from 12 noon until midnight.

Janice's maternal grandmother died of breast cancer, and her paternal grandmother, Marguerite, also developed the disease at the age of 84. Fortunately she has survived and is still kicking at 95.

Janice has been a participant and team captain over the years, and said she supports the event because it is a community event and contributes to fighting cancer locally and though research. “Being a team captain is a big commitment, but it is worth it. It is hard work to organize team meetings before the relay because people are busy and to help with fund raising, but the committee helps out and the relay itself is a great experience.”

Janice's own experience with cancer became more acute when her father, Alvin Conway, was diagnosed with lung cancer early in 2014. Alvin was well known in Parham since he had been the custodian at Hinchinbrooke school from the early 1990s until he retired in 2008. He had worked at Land O'Lakes in the 80s and at Sydenham High School and in Kingston before that, for a total of 37 years with the school board.

“He retired when he turned 60, not because he wanted to leave since he loved working in the school, but because my mother needed his support since she has diabetes and other health concerns,” said Janice. “At least he had a few good years of retirement.”

Until he started to have back pains in the summer of 2013, Janice does not remember her father ever being sick, much less seeing a doctor. It was late in the year that the possibility that the pains were caused by cancer was first raised and early in 2014 he got the lung cancer diagnosis.

“Throughout 2014, it was mostly my sister who took Dad for his treatments because I was working, but I took him quite a few times, and my brother as well. He had chemotherapy and radiation in Kingston. In early 2015 he had an experimental treatment but I don't remember what it was. My sister was the secretary; she kept track of everything.”

Over a year after her father's death, Janice is still dealing with his absence. “He was always the go-to guy, for all of us. Whenever we needed advice, or someone to come with us, to look for a car or anything, really, he was the one we went to for support,” she said.

When Alvin Conway died, Janice's mother Caren lost her husband of almost 47 years, and also a supportive partner, and the entire family is dealing with the loss, each in their own way.

“I still feel exhausted by it,” said Janice, who also has two uncles that are being treated for cancer.

Her commitment to the Relay for Life has not waned throughout the past two years, and although she may not register for the entire day this year, she will be there, with her mother, to light some luminaria candles with her mother, and to help her friends.

“We need to support the teams who come together to do the relay and support the fund-raising events that each team organizes before the relay,” she said.

For further information about the North and Central Frontenac Relay for Life, contact Christine Teal 613-375-6525, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or Chair Vicki Babcock at 613-449-8834.

Two back-to-back events on April 9 helped to make local residents aware that the 2016 North and Central Frontenac Relay for Life is moving into high gear. The first was the Relay's official kick-off pancake breakfast fundraiser at Oso hall in Sharbot Lake. The Relay's newly appointed chair, Vicki Babcock, was on hand manning the merchandise table and selling sweat shirts, sweat pants, socks, head bands, coffee mugs and more.

Registration chair, Christine Teal, was also on hand to register new teams which that day included Scott Reid's “Team Steam”. To date seven teams have registered and Babcock said she hopes to have at least 10 teams registered by May 1. Over 50 diners came up out for the event.

Retro-Relay is the name of this year's community team, which is open for anyone who doesn't have a team but wants to participate. Teams who missed the event but still want to sigh up can contact Christine Teal at 613-375-6525 or email her at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The second event was the first fundraiser this year for June's Angels, a long-time Relay team made up of relatives of the late June Fox, who passed away four years ago from cancer. The Angels, who number over 20, held a spring luncheon/bake sale at the Parham IOOF hall and not surprisingly, organizers perfectly timed it so that Relay chair Vicki could be there to show her support.

The Central and North Frontenac Relay for Life Volunteer Committee learned some lessons last year when they made some changes to how the Relay functioned, and found that some of those changes were not popular.

“We want people to know that we heard them,” said Christine Teal, a long-time committee member who is handling publicity this year.

“This year, we would like to get 'Back to the Basics of Relay - Community Style”, she added, “We can do this but we need people to sign up.”

Last year there was a $10 charge for entry to the grounds, but this year entry is free, although donations will be accepted, and for those who want to participate in the relay, the minimum donation is $15 this year, no matter when they register.

“But,” said Christine, “we need teams to register by May 1 in order to make the event happen - Currently there are five teams registered - with one being the Community team, Retro-Relay, so if someone doesn't have a team but really wants to participate this team is for them. It's easy – they sign themselves up online or email me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and I will set them up. All they need to do is wear a Relay T-shirt from years past and black pants/shorts and all is good!!”

The relay crew is also looking for groups/committee/family of 10 or so people that have heard the dreaded C word. Now is their chance to fight back. They can register as a team for $15 each, and do their best to raise $150 (but no worries if they don't)

“And then come out on June 18 at noon to help us Fight the biggest Fight of our life!!!” said Christine, emphatically.

A small but mighty committee has been hard at work planning for this year's event – and they want the community to come out like before.

“Grab your lawn chairs, jacket, bug spray, sun screen and whatever else you need and come enjoy the great entertainment line up and be prepared to be amazed! We have such great talent in our community and to have them all available at one location is fantastic! There are activities planned for the entire day so please take part - together we can do this.”

Luminaries are on sale now and are a great way to honor a loved one who has had to fight this fight, or to remember a loved one who was lost to this horrible disease.

“This is the least we can do after everything that they have had to endure. For $5 you can help light up the track for the participants and you too can walk the track and be reminded of those loved ones. It is truly a touching part to the event and we encourage everyone to take part in this ceremony,” she said.

Luminaries can be purchased online or at Hope's Store in Parham or from Margo McCullough or Christine Teal.

Survivors, who are the reason the relay is held, are going to be pampered on June 28. Survivors can register with Penny Cota or Tracy Riddell.

To kick off the relay in true style the committee we will be hosting a Pancake Breakfast from 8 am to 11 am on Saturday, April 9 at Oso Township Hall. For $5 you can enjoy pancakes, sausage, coffee and juice. They hope to see you there.

“Remember, together we can make Cancer History,” said Christine.

As the committee is gearing up for a wonderful event on June 18, we ask you a simple question - how has cancer affected you?

Many of us will have a number of ways it has affected us: our dad, sister, uncle, aunt, grandparent, child, a close friend, or maybe you have heard that dreaded word yourself. Whatever your reason, Relay is here to help. I don’t know about you but I can’t sit around and do nothing, that is why I Relay - Ok, so one of the reasons.

Did you know that the CCS (Canadian Cancer Society) spends only 4% on administration costs, 30% on fundraising costs, which includes money spent with local businesses (ie porta potties for events, signage etc.) and 66% on our mission work – i.e. research and local services.

What about this fact - when the CCS began research back in 1938, only 25% of people diagnosed with cancer survived. Today 63% survive; that’s the power of research!!!

I didn’t realize this but it totally makes sense. It costs $56/per participant to run an event like Relay for Life! That is crazy! So when someone from the committee or one of the registered teams asks you for sponsorship, or to buy a track sign, luminary or to donate an item for the Silent Auction, think about that reason. That will put everything into perspective and you too will know that you have made a difference in finding that cure for cancer.

Thinking about registering a team to participate in the event? Awesome!!! Registration is open; if you have any questions or need assistance, email me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call at 613-375-6525.

Do you have what it takes to be the Ultimate Relay team???? This year the Ultimate Relay Team will be the team that has all team members registered and their $15 fee paid; all team members have raised a minimum of $150 each; all team monies have been turned in at bank night; the team captain or designate attended the team captains’ meeting. Then you have what it takes to be the “Ultimate Relay For Life Team 2016”. So what are you waiting for? Let’s Make Cancer History!

Mark February 27 on your calendar for our Kick Off – we will be joining the Lions Club as they host another one of their wonderful breakfasts!!! See you there!

It is my honor to introduce to you our New Face for Relay. Vicki Babcock has taken over the reins from Lesley Smith-Merrigan to chair Relay for Life 2016.

Vicki brings with her a wealth of knowledge about Survivors as she was Chair and Co-Chair of Survivors on the committee for a number of years. As well, she brings first-hand experience on how cancer impacts the lives of those affected by this horrible disease. Vicki’s daughter, Kylie, is a survivor. A month before she turned two she was diagnosed with hypatoblastoma Cancer (a tumor on her liver that spread to her lungs). She is now eight and still going strong.

So be sure to mark June 18, 2016 on your calendar and once again we will be going from noon to midnight.

Once again we will have a full line up of entertainment including our very own HD Supply and Feral Five, who have already confirmed their attendance!! The day will be jam packed but in order to make this happen we are looking for more committee members, so if you are interested, please let Vicki or any other member of the Relay for Life Committee know. The committee is geared up for the Relay and have lots of ideas to make this year a successful one.

Registration is open so be sure to get your team registered; we are hoping for 25 teams for the 2016 Relay.

Our first incentive for teams is that if you happen to be one of the first 10 teams to register for Relay by January 17, your team will go in a draw for…(drum roll please…..)…..FRONT ROW SEATS when your favourite band FERAL FIVE play – and munchies! What a sweet deal – so be sure to get your team lined up and registered by January 17 in order to get in on this.

When Vicki was asked what made her decide to take on the role of chair, she said, “After being survivor chair on the relay committee for five years I decided to take on the role of chair because I love being part of relay and a great committee and community, and after seeing first hand what this horrible disease can do I want to continue doing everything I can to beat cancer. I am hoping that everyone will come out and support this great event and help us beat this disease together."

What changes can we expect to see for Relay 2016? The registration fee will be $15 for everyone, with no increases as the date approaches. We hope that each participant can raise $150. This year, when doing a team fundraiser, we ask that you separate out the money raised by each participant - we are doing some new team incentives, with hopes of bringing out new and past participants.

For information call 613-375-6525 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.