Step up to support great cause
CAIRNS Relay For Life organisers are urging locals to show their support for those affected by cancer by registering teams for the 19th annual event.
One person determined to make the 2019 Cancer Council Queensland event a success is chairwoman Christina French.
She is leading the committee of volunteers who recruit and motivate teams and plan the event, which is being held at Barlow Park on July 27-28.
Christina says it’s a great opportunity to reconnect with friends, family and the community while walking laps.
“Relay For Life has been my favourite event for the past 18 years, ever since I joined when my mum was diagnosed with liver cancer.
“As a family, we felt helpless, but participating in Relay For Life made us feel like we were part of something important and after my mum’s passing, we keep contributing in her honour and hoping to witness a cancer-free future.
“It’s not easy to stay awake and walk through the night, but witnessing a sunrise of a new day is a very gratifying experience as it means we have survived the darkness to continue the fight against cancer.
“Last year, what made the event so successful was the tremendous support from the community and the commitment from volunteers.
“Together with the committee, we’ve been planning this year’s event to make it even more memorable and meaningful for the community.”
At Relay For Life, teams of people relay for 18 hours overnight to raise funds and awareness for cancer research, education and support. They also take part in inspirational events like the Survivor and Carer’s Lap of Honour and the candlelight ceremony.
The Cairns Relay for Life will be launched at Barlow Park in Scott St at 11am on Monday.
“We’d love people to come down there and ask questions,” Christina said.
Around 1430 people are diagnosed with cancer each year in Far North Queensland and Relay For Life helps support services like the Marylyn Mayo Lodge in Cairns and other programs.
To register a team, volunteer or find out more information, visit Queensland Cancer Council at 169 Aumuller St, Bungalow, call Jenny Coates on 4047 5502 or visit relayforlife.org.au