CANSA Relay For Life - Norwegian Settlers Church 26 March 2010

26 March 2010  5pm to 5am the next morning

CANSA Relay For Life is part of an international movement that unites cancer survivors and the communities that care about them. It offers everyone in a community, both young and old, the opportunity to participate in the fight against cancer and to honour those who have been touched by cancer. It is an opportunity for SURVIVORS and their loved ones to fight against cancer together.

Relay For Life represents HOPE:

HOPE - that those lost to cancer will never be forgotten
HOPE - that those facing cancer will be supported
HOPE - that one day cancer will be conquered
HOPE - victory is possible, so CELEBRATE, REMEMBER, FIGHT BACK!

What happens at a Relay For Life event?

The Event

Relay For Life is a fun-filled, overnight event that mobilizes communities to celebrate survivors (anyone who has ever been diagnosed with cancer), remember loved ones and raise money for the fight against cancer. Teams of 12 to 15 members gather with tents and sleeping bags with the goal of keeping one person on the track at all times. Teams often dress up according to themes and have a lot of fun and spirit.

Relay For Life brings together friends, families, businesses, hospitals, schools, churches - people from all walks of life. Teams seek sponsorship prior to the Relay, all with the goal of eliminating cancer.

Relay For Life opens as cancer survivors take the first lap. This emotional time sets the stage for the importance of each participant's contribution.  A festive atmosphere always develops as participants make new friends and spend time with old ones.

Highlighting the evening is a Luminaria Ceremony of Hope held after dark to honour cancer survivors and to remember loved ones lost to cancer.  The luminaria candles line the track and are left burning throughout the night to remind participants of the incredible importance of their contributions. The paper bags containing the candles are filled with photo's and messages to loved ones who have passed on.