by BOB GRYLLS
Reporter
WHITEWATER REGION (Beachburg) — The Whitewater Relay for Life was rained out. It rained right into the Beachburg Arena where organizers were set-up for an indoor event in case of such a likelihood. The downpour, arriving just prior to the start of the event, didn’t dampen the spirit of the night in the least.
Participant Adrian Giroux said, “This is the first year for inside. Maybe I won’t be able to walk as much but that’s okay.”
Everyone was quite accepting of the change of venue hinting that they were “Quite adaptable, just like Mother Nature.”
Others who had trouble participating outside on the track were able to do it more so inside.
The event raised $34,413, including $26,413 from participants and $8,000 in sponsor contributions.
The top individual fundraisers were Janice Hollingworth, who brought in $1,540, Sandra Cook, at $735, and Cathy McLeese, with $730. The top fundraising teams were Families Fighting Back, who collected $5,642, Whitewater Bromley Community Health Centre, with $3,510, and Friday Night Lights, with $2,509.
Co-chairs Charlotte and Angela Robinson, who conducted the opening ceremonies, explained that community funds are raised to create more survivors to help fight cancer even more. They mentioned the dedication of all volunteer fundraisers and their importance to the evening.
.Organizers said the turnout was very similar to last year, with this year’s 12 teams and about 125 people registered. Relayers were encouraged to dress up as their favourite movie characters as the theme was Whitewater Goes to the Movies.
Huey Martin, who would be at the arena until the end of rink-related matters said, “The Relay for Life is held at night because cancer never sleeps.”
There might have been some sombre thoughts for those participating but a similar connection with everyone else gave a big sign of hopefulness for the future.
Ted Barron, the designated honourary survivor for this year, gave a very informative talk on his experience with prostate cancer detected in 2011. It was a blow to him and he wondered what he should do next? He realized it boiled down to one of three choices: leave it at is, radiation treatments or have it removed.
“A long walk through the countryside was most valuable in making up my mind as to what choice to make,” he said.
Angie Robinson said, “A cancer diagnosis can be one of life’s most terrifying moments.
“The brave men, women and children who face cancer are in a fight for their lives, and although not every story has a happy ending, there are more and more survivors in our midst every day, and tonight, here in Beachburg.”
As each lap was completed, volunteers handed out beads to collect on a string to keep count of progress.
Many walked with large inflatable balloons over their bodies, some rolling along completely inside them, supplied by the Relay for Life Entertainment Sponsor – Skyza. The Media Sponsor was Star 96, Signage Sponsor – SunSign Graphics, Survivor Sponsor – Dunbar Home Inspections, Site Sponsors – Beachburg Agricultural Society and Beachburg Arena and Presenting Sponsor – Beach-West Pharmacy.
Evelyn Giroux had her story too. She lost a kidney to cancer 17 years ago, needed a full year to get her strength back, and was finally declared cancer-free five years later. She was proud to have her husband Adrian and three of her four children here with her; Jim & Cindy, Marie & Ken, Louise & Peter – her youngest Terresa was missing in action.
A successful auction with Grant Robertson and Janet Briscoe raised more money for the cause. Next was a generous cheque donation of $2,000 from the Beachburg Lions Club.
Unlit illuminating lights, positioned in nicely decorated paper bags, could be bought for locating along the inside perimeter of the track. The numbers were adding up and at 10 p.m., when the arena lights went out and the illuminating lights were lit for the remainder of the event, it would have an emotional impact on those present.
Many more activities were in store for those who made it to the very end. A joyful celebration was held at 7 a.m. Saturday. Next year will be Whitewater Relay for Life’s fifth year in a row.
