Fighting cancer through Relay for Life

Statistics indicate approximately 100,000 Canadians take part in Relay for Life events across the country every year, as nearly one in two Canadians are expected to be diagnosed with the disease at some point in their lives.

Blackfalds resident Beverley Beckley knows first-hand the devastation cancer can have on families.

“I had an aunt and an uncle in England that passed away from cancer within months of each other,” she explains. “They were pretty close cause my aunt was my mom’s twin sister. It was pretty tough and of course being over here in Canada, I had gone back to visit about a year before she passed away but she was quite sick then too.”

Blackfalds resident Beverley Beckley knows first-hand the impact cancer can have on families and encourages central Albertans to take part in the annual Relay for Life being held at CrossRoads Church on June 15.

Beckley says her aunt would have been around a lot longer had it not been for cancer.

“If you’re a cancer survivor or your family has been touched by cancer, come out and support it,” she exclaims. “You can form a team or you can come out. We have a loonie lane where they can come and get some raffle prizes and we also have a market there, so there’s lots to see and do.”

Beckley praises the many volunteers that help make the event possible each year.

“We always need more of those, so it would be great if anyone else wants to come out and volunteer,” adds Beckley. “Also, we’re always looking for sponsors, prizes and things like that, it’s never too late. Loonie Lane, we can always take some more items for raffle and all that money goes towards the research and the Cancer Society as well.”

To register as a single participant or as a team, visit www.cancer.ca.

by Sheldon Spackman

Fighting cancer through Relay for Life

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