Why I Relay
This is my 20th year at Relay - and my 2nd year participating as a Survivor myself !!!
I first joined Relay in 2005 to honour the memory of George Wood Jr. As kindergarten teacher at my public school, he encouraged me to get involved in Theatre Sarnia backstage, volunteering in the box office and helping run their bingo fundraisers. Without his encouragement, I would not be involved in many of the things I have in my life today.
When my dad went through treatment for a very rare form of Leukemia in 2014, each time we went to the London Cancer Centre, I was so thankful for all the advances there have been in cancer treatment. When the first round of chemo didn't work, a second chemo option turned out to be the right one for my dad. Dad has gone on to beat 2 other forms of cancer since then - and loves to brag about his doctor always calling him "my miracle patient" each time he goes in for a follow-up.
I also Relay for my Grandpa Paul, who passed away from cancer while I was still in elementary school. I wish he'd been around longer, and that I could have gotten to know him better. In recent years my mother and two of my aunts were diagnosed and gone through treatment, joining the growing number of survivors.
Several years ago, I joined the Relay planning committee in the hopes of helping all teams raise as much funds as they can, so breakthroughs in cancer research can continue.
You can help make cancer history. It's easy - just click Donate !