They walked and walked and walked some more.
Sometimes quietly, other times with smiles and laughter.
From the early afternoon until well past midnight, survivors, family and friends, walked around the track at Chandler Park in memory of those who succombed to cancer, but more importantly, they walked with the hope cancer in all it’s forms will be conquered, sooner rather than later.
This year’s Relay for Life raised more than $65,000.
Although the total is shy of her target, Relay for Life coordinator, Alyson Tomson was nonetheless pleased with the result.
The day, despite some last minute glitches, went along smoothly, thanks in large part to the efforts of Tompson and her group of dedicated volunteers.
Volunteers who gave of their time for several months in preparation for the weekend’s event, volunteers who entertained with their dancing, exercise class or their musical talents.
I know the community is grateful for your commitment.
For Tomson, the hours spent agonizing and organizing boiled down to one special moment, watching the survivors take their victory lap.
“That was it for me,” she said.
“Seeing all of the support they have.”
For me it was the lighting of the luminaries, then walking around the track in memory of those who didn’t survive and hope for those living with cancer.
“It reminds you why you’re here,” Tomson said of the walk past the luminaries.
A sombre moment to say the least.
As I walked past the luminaries for my Dad, my friend Sue and colleague Trina, I was glad they had, at least for now, won their battles.
Who wouldn’t be.
But the moment also reminded me of how lucky I was they have survived.
How lucky I am they continue to share their courage and more importantly share their smiles with me.
Funny, my friend Sue sent me a text message that night to thank me.
I shook my head, smiled and texted back, “No, thank you.”
- Percy N. Hébert/Interior News