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Relay raising funds for cancer

Considering how to support cancer research? Then consider this: the Canadian Cancer Society’s Relay for Life is coming to Ponoka

Considering how to support cancer research? Then consider this: the Canadian Cancer Society’s Relay for Life is coming to Ponoka Sept. 14. This is the third year the relay has been in Ponoka.

The relay itself is a 12-hour, non-competitive walk held overnight at the Ponoka Composite High School track, explained Trish King, revenue development coordinator.

Teams take turns running or walking and rain or clear night skies won’t stop supporters from walking.

“Most people are walking for someone that they know,” King explained.

The race starts with a banquet dinner celebrating cancer survivors who can call or sign up online to register. The dinner is followed by a survivor lap; this is a time to give survivors a chance to celebrate victory over their battle with cancer.

As dusk settles, participants can buy luminaries that light up the track for the relay teams during the remember ceremony.

“It’s a pretty powerful ceremony,” stated King.

She feels the overnight relay is a reminder of the effects cancer has on people’s lives. “We can give up one night of sleep.”

The relay culminates with a fight back ceremony, where participants make a promise for how they will fight cancer. After which there is a breakfast to end the event.

There are three teams signed up so far, and King hopes to see more by the time the run is held.

The evening is an alcohol-free night, which King feels could be an attraction to youths. Racers can take turns running and the more people on a team gives others a chance to take a break. Teams can have from six to 12 people join.

Money raised goes directly to prevention and advocacy, which King feels is an added benefit to their programs as they are not funded by the government.

“We are very lucky that we have our own researchers…they’re funded by us,” she explained.

To get involved go to relayforlife.ca or call Nancy Kumm at 403 347 3662.