Alliston Herald

Participants carry the hope banner for survivor walk at Alliston's Relay For Life.
Evan MacRae

Jane, Rebecca and Mitchell Ollikainen stand next to a memorial of Melanie Ollikainen, who died from cancer. A total of 26 people made up two teams to...
Evan MacRae

Nicole Dunn holds up poster with names of her family members who have suffered from cancer.
Evan MacRae

Alliston walkers raise $148,000 for a cure

Relay For Life more successful than ever

BY Even MacRae: Special June 19, 2009 18:06

Walkers and volunteers gathered by the hundreds last Friday night at Alliston's Relay for Life event to help cancer survivors live another day. The current estimate for the funds raised through the 12-hour event that ran Friday night to Saturday morning is $148,000.

Six-year cancer survivor and active volunteer Caramel Selfe is relieved that more people are brave enough to face cancer head on. Several of her close friends were afraid to call her after her diagnosis, but she managed to form friendships with people committed to finding a cure for cancer.

"I like the idea that people celebrate cancer (at the Relay for Life). There are so many negative images of cancer. I think it's important to celebrate the positive side," Selfe said.

This year's Relay received heartfelt support by committee members of all ages. Grade 11 Banting Memorial student Mark Godin was chosen as the event photographer. He went so far as to snap shots from a fire truck crane in the sky to get the best angles.

"It's all about the people. I like seeing everybody having a good time for a good cause," Godin said.

Rose Bowen organized various activities and positions as the Relay for Life event chair. She also took responsibility for making a special reception for cancer survivors as the survivor chair. Celebrating and honouring survivors was her concern this year.

"The goal always is to exceed funds raised from years before and to bring more survivors to the event. When you bring more survivors, it means our research donations are working," Bowen said.

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