By CONNIE TABERT
Editor
BEACHBURG — Just over 200 walkers raised $64,236 at the Whitewater Relay for Life fundraiser held in Beachburg Friday night for the Renfrew County Branch of the Canadian Cancer Society.
The event began with the opening ceremonies at 6:45 p.m. Friday, June 17 and ended with a final lap at 7 a.m. Saturday, June 18.
This is the third annual relay in Beachburg and this year’s honourary survivor was Dave Shields. He spoke briefly about having tongue cancer four years ago. Following various doctor appointments, he went through a 14-hour operation.
“Everything is fine now,” he said. “One more year and then it’s optional if I have to keep going for check-ups. I think I’ll keep going.”
Mr. Shields, who lives in Beachburg, said he was honoured to be this year’s survivor.
“It’s heart-warming to know people like you are raising money,” he said. “It’s nice to have the surgery, but it would be better to have the cure. We’re just not there yet.”
It’s with fundraisers and people participating that one day a difference will be made, he said.
“One day we won’t need procedures because there will be a cure,” Mr. Shields said.
Charlotte Robinson and Angie McCutcheon were this year’s hosts and co-chairs.
“We’re all here because cancer has touched our lives,” Ms. Robinson said. “We all have our own cancer story, but we all gathered here today for one reason – because 131,300 Canadians will be diagnosed with cancer this year and sadly, 76,600 Canadians will lose their lives to cancer.”
She noted the statistics aren’t just numbers, they are family, friends, neighbours and colleagues, people cared and loved.
The Canadian Cancer Society provides funds for research and education on the prevention, early detection and treatments of cancer, Ms. Robinson said.
The top fundraisers at this year’s Relay for Life were Lawrie Barton and Dave Shields, who each raised $1,050; Katie Forfar raising $915 and John Cory raising $775. The top fundraising teams were the Beachburg Bears with just over $5,000; Whitewater Community Health Centre raising $4,476 and Families Fighting Back raising $5,060.
“The Canadian Cancer Society is going to use the dollars you’ve raised to fund Canada’s most promising cancer research and clinical trials,” Ms. McCutcheon said.
The Families Fighting Back team was also awarded the first Team Spirit Award. They were dressed as a Viking crew.
The Survivors Lap began the relay with 27 people sporting yellow t-shirts going one way on the track while their caregivers went the other way. They met in the middle of the oval and joined as one, all heading in the same direction as the survivors.
At 10 p.m., the Luminary Ceremony took place.
“We want to take a few minutes to reflect on the many reasons we’re here,” said Ms. McCutcheon as the participants gathered at the stage.
“At Relay for Life, we wear our hearts on the track,” she said. “Throughout the evening, more and more luminaries have been set out around the track, acting as a guiding light and a beacon of hope. Every luminary represents a life…a parent, a child, a grandparent or a friend. These people are always in our hearts and, tonight, they light the way.”
To honour those who were being remembered, a lap of silence was walked by all.
“Take this time to reflect and remember the lives of those we have lost and honour those who continue to fight,” Ms. Robinson said. “Walk with your loved ones in your minds and hearts.”
To close the event Saturday morning, Ms. McCutcheon said it’s important the sponsors of the event be thanked, because it’s with their help the event is as successful as it is. This year’s sponsors were Beach-West Pharmacy, Quintal Professional Corporation, Sunsign Graphics, Beachburg Agricultural Society, Star 96, Jamieson Travel and Tours, Gayle Jaques and Dunbar Home Inspections.
Following the event, Roger Martin, the community office manager in Pembroke, said, it’s important people go to their doctor if they think something is different.
“Dave did just this and he is with us today because of early detection and some amazing research by some of today’s best scientists,” he said.
While there were 22 teams this year compared to 32 last year, Mr. Martin said the amount raised is comparative to that in the last two years. This year’s goal fell short by just over $5,000, he said. However, in three years, the Relay for Life in Whitewater has raised $230,000.
That money goes into the local budget of the Canadian Cancer Society office, he said. It can be used for any of the programs offered, he added.
There will be a fourth annual Whitewater Relay for Life, Mr. Martin said.
“Cancer is not going away and neither is the relay,” he said.
