June 7 will be an emotional night in Innisfail.
That's when cancer survivors, their caregivers, friends, families and others will gather in the field at Innisfail Jr./Sr. High School for the 12-hour overnight Relay for Life fundraiser.
It's a fundraiser that supports cancer research through the Canadian Cancer Society. It's the fourth time Innisfail has hosted the event. Innisfail is among 500 communities across Canada that take part in the movement against cancer.
Last year, 14 teams, including 23 survivors and 114 participants, raised over $45,000 for Innisfail's Relay for Life. The money raised is used for research and support programs and services for people living with cancer. The word from local organizers is that Innisfail is on track to raise the same amount of money this year and planning is ahead of schedule.
Anybody who has ever participated in a Relay for Life event knows that it is an emotional evening. Each event includes a survivors' victory lap when survivors are surrounded by supporters as they take the first lap of the night. The event also includes a luminary ceremony when special candles will be lit during a twilight ceremony. In the morning comes the “fight back ceremony” when participants join together and make a personal commitment to fight back against cancer all year long.
The Relay for Life event is where you'll hear many stories from cancer survivors. It doesn't take long to realize that cancer affects everyone, including friends, families, co-workers and more. Cancer is a disease that two out of five Canadians will be diagnosed with in their life, according the Canadian Cancer Society.
Some people believe there will never be a universal cure for cancer, which is really a term that covers 200 different diseases, according to the Canadian Cancer Society. However, the organization is making an impact where treatments, prevention and risk-reduction are concerned. Today, 60 per cent of those diagnosed with cancer will survive at least five years following diagnosis. That's up from 25 per cent in the 1940s, according to the Canadian Cancer Society.
That's why locals are encouraged to support the Relay for Life in Innisfail as a participant, donor or volunteer. There will be a meeting for local volunteers at the Best Western Inn in Innisfail on May 27. Considering the statistics, those who help can do so knowing they are making an impact.
