From Friday June 11 until Saturday June 12, 2011 staff from Today’s Family participated in the Relay for Life, contributing to the relay’s tenth anniversary. When you say the word cancer, everyone can put a name or face of a loved one to the word. It may be direct, or indirect, but it is inescapable. We can all mention someone we know (or ourselves) who has been through the trials of cancer. Although the occasion is somewhat somber in nature, the sheer volume of participants coming together and the activities offered throughout the evening create a memorable event for all who attend.
This year staff from Today’s Family Hamilton participated in the 2011 Relay for Life held at ArcelorMittal Dofasco’s F.H. Sherman Recreation & Learning Centre on June 10. From event volunteers, event coordinators, children’s event leaders, relay team or coming to support the relay team as a cheerleader, Today’s Family staff were everywhere. Aptly named Girl Power, the relay team raised more than $3000 and took the lead in many of the contests held during the event. Each member of the team may have been there for a different reason, but the common thread connected each to the other.
The activities throughout the night brought fun and excitement to keep everyone going. From the pie eating contest (of which Shannon from Today’s Family Hamilton won, by the way!), to stacking cups games, fashion shows (we did not win the Dude Looks Like a Lady contest for obvious reasons) and the early morning rooster call contest, Today’s Family was active throughout the overnight event.
And the winner of the pie eating contest…Shannon from Today’s Family!
Not to be outdone by her pie eating colleague, Monica wins the late night building contest
The event was both amazing and memorable. The survivor walk was touching and awe-inspiring. The sheer number of people affected by the disease – from children to seniors from every age, race and walk of life was a strong reminder of the importance of the event.
The lighting of all of the luminaries at sunset was profound. The light surrounded the track, and covered the grass areas with the words hope and cure. To think that each luminary was in memory of someone lost to cancer reminded all of the need to find a cure. The first lap walked while the luminaries were lit was matched by the sounds of silence, as everyone paused to remember someone.
Although the event was from 7:00 p.m. until 7:00 a.m., it paled in comparison to a day in the life of a person affected by cancer, or their family members. When it came time for the final lap at 7:00 a.m., it brought us back to the reality of why everyone was there. A sense of camaraderie was felt by all who attended.
Since its inception in 2001, Relay For Life Hamilton has raised over $2.3 million dollars for the Canadian Cancer Society. Thank you Today’s Family staff for contributing to the success of the relay.
