Relay for life 2014

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THE FREE PRESS Thursday, June 19, 2014

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RELAY FOR LIFE - ELK VALLEY

What is Relay for Life?

Saturday, June 21, 2014 Sparwood Pool and Leisure Centre Thanks to our sponsors!

T

he Canadian Cancer Society Relay For Life is an inspiring event that brings together more than 160,000 people throughout Canada to celebrate the lives of those who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and empower individuals and communities to fight back against cancer.

Relay brings together the people of the Elk Valley Communities who have a common goal of fighting cancer. Join us on June 21st from 10:00 10:00 for this inspirational, non-competitive, 12-hour event. Until you take part you won't feel the passion, the inspiration, and the hope that participants share at Relay For Life. This year’s theme is Rockin’ Through the Ages – we are encouraging teams and participants to dress up as though they were from an era of rock and roll, and decorate their tents and be ready to spend the day dancing their laps as they Relay! There will be live entertainment and activities all throughout the day! The Lions Club will be serving up food all day long. This event is open to everyone in the Elk Valley to come on by and show their support.

Relay begins with a celebration of courageous cancer survivors taking the inaugural Victory Lap that sends a message that there is always hope. Then, there is time during Relay when participants take a moment to remember cherished loved ones in a moving luminary ceremony. Our last ceremony reminds us that we Relay because we have been affected by cancer and desperately want to put an end to suffering and loss caused by this disease.

The fight back ceremony is a time to make a personal commitment to improve your health, the health of your family and your community.

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Every step taken during Relay For Life helps the Canadian Cancer Society save lives. Funds raised at Relay allow us to: • Fight all cancers by investing in the best cancer research • Influence change through our advocacy efforts to create healthier environments and help individuals reduce their risk of cancer • Empower Canadians with reliable, up-to-date information • Speak up on issues that affect Canadians with cancer • Provide a range of support programs to people living with cancer, including family members and caregivers 2013 Relay For Life, British Columbia & Yukon stats: • More than 12,600 participants were involved in 53 events • Over 1,800 cancer survivors celebrated by walking the Survivors' Victory Lap • Over 12,100 luminaries were lit in honour or in memory of loved ones • 2,174 volunteers played a role in making it all happen • Together, we raised over $4.3 million for the fight against cancer

To aLL The TeaMs Thank you for supporting such a great cause!

Sparwood Esso proudly supports Relay for Life

Koocanusa Lake Campsite and Marina 250-529-7484

111 Aspen Dr, Sparwood, BC (250) 425-2118

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THE FREE PRESS, Thursday, June 19, 2014

Shirley’s story

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hen you take part in the Canadian Cancer Society’s Relay For Life, you are taking important steps to change cancer forever. Your donations enhance the quality of life of people who are living with cancer and allow the Society to fund caring support programs like CancerConnection, Cancer Information Service and Financial Support. Sparwood’s Shirley Bevilacqua, a brain cancer survivor, appreciates the financial assistance she received when she needed it most.

In a series of three, Shirley was diagnosed with brain cancer and had her tumor removed in March 2011. Then that May, she was diagnosed with lung cancer and had a portion of her lung removed. And finally, in September, she had a recurrence of brain cancer and was rushed to Vancouver for brain surgery.

The financial assistance she received at that time was a welcome relief after a challenging year. Shirley also stayed at the Society’s Jean C Barber Lodge for one of her trips to Vancouver – a low-cost home away from home for those who are undergoing outpatient treatment. Shirley describes the lodge as having a huge impact on her experience, giving her the sense that she wasn’t alone. She says she appreciated the good company and peer support she found there.

“It was awesome! Such good meals and it was so clean,” says Shirley. “I admire the Canadian Cancer Society. I wouldn’t be here without this support and research advancements in treatment.” Shirley will be 69 this year. She’s happily married to her husband Romeo and looks forward to celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary in a couple of years. She has two children and six grandchildren.

“I love too much. I love unconditionally. That’s why I want to keep going and stay positive,” she says. “I don’t want to see my family hurt. My special family and friends – that’s what keeps me going.”

Stories like Shirley’s remind us that every little bit helps when it comes to fighting cancer. Please support your local Relay For Life event and join the movement to change cancer forever.

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My cancer story: Corien Sieders I never will forget that day I went for my Mammogram and the Nurse told me they had found some “darker spots” and I had to come back the same day for an ultrasound. My first thought…. it will be scar tissue from my breast reduction surgery. I had a trip coming up the next day for work to fly to Korea and attend a Travel Trade show, so I had no time to get cancer. Unfortunately it turned out different.

I was diagnosed with breast cancer.

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y husband and I went to the Specialist and he told us that I had breast cancer…. you think “No not me”… that is not possible. I am too young, I am too busy with work and have no time to be home for a few months….

I was lucky I had the “best” form you can have and with surgery and radiation the chances of surviving were pretty good. The question came of course whether I choose to get lumpectomy or mastectomy done…... I looked at it as follows; If your finger is infected you are not taking off your whole arm. I went for lumpectomy.

My world turned upside down and to protect myself I geared into autopilot. My husband was- and is- an enormous help. He understood and was there for me when needed. Our way to deal with this was: ”let’s live a normal life until the day before surgery.”

The months after surgery where really tough. I

FIGHT BACK

AGAINST CANCER www.relaybc.ca realized I was really sick and had to accept that.

Unfortunately I had to go away for the radiation and was gone from home almost 5 weeks. I got a lot of support from friends and family. My husband was an immense support, you know that you have a strong relationship when you’re going through pain, anger and a lot of crying and he is still beside you.

I have to share that this whole situation changed my life in a positive way. This may sound weird but when you can accept and realize you had cancer and beat it, you have got a second chance…. that is something that gave me a lot of strength and positive energy. My personal life is number one and work will be second.

Not the other way around like it used to be.

When you got diagnosed with breast cancer you feel it is the end of the world, looking back for me it was a new beginning!

Enjoy your life and be grateful for the small things that will cross your path and are so easy to take for granted.

Overwaitea Foods is a proud sponsor of the Relay for Life.

Team Crocodile Rock is Rockin' through the ages

Left to right: Sharon Glover, Marjorie Templin, Sonya Hutchinson.

Missing: Michelle Nearing

Red Cedar Dr, Sparwood (250) 425-6489

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THE FREE PRESS Thursday, June 19, 2014

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Roller Derby

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n Saturday June 21st Fernie’s Avalanche City Roller Girls (ACRG) will take on Thrashin' Lassies of Calgary, Alberta at the Sparwood Arena as their 3rd bout in their home game schedule. ACRG will be proudly wearing the colour yellow in support of Relay for Life. The past 2 years has seen ACRG climb from 85th to 12th on the Canadian Roller Derby

rankings.

Partial proceeds of the non-profit event will be donated to the Relay for Life. Doors open at 6:30pm. Whistle blows at 7pm. Tickets can be purchased at the door; $5 for volunteers and participants of the Relay for Life, students, seniors, $10 for adults and children 12 and under are free.

ACRG is a not for profit, community-based organization, whose mission is to develop flat track roller derby skaters to be athletic and empowered. We foster a fun, inclusive environment that embodies the values of teamwork, success, strength, respect, integrity and dedication. We demonstrate positive roles for women and youth and are contributing members of our community, giving back through outreach, volunteerism and fundraising. To find out more information please visit www.fernierollerderby.com

INVITE TO SURVIVORS

Y

ou're Invited!

Relay For Life is just over two weeks away! We hope that you have marked June 21st on your calendar.

This years theme is Rockin' Through the Ages – Join the participants as we celebrate you the Survivors and Caregivers. Spend the day or just join us for the survivors lap as we dance our laps around the track.

Registration is at 9:00 am at the Sparwood Pool & Leisure Centre. Make your way to the Survivor Diner, enjoy some refreshments, stay for the day or just the morning. Survivors lap is at 10:00

Elk Valley Thrift Shop supports Relay For Life

Thrifting at its finest! Sustainable reuse of everything from clothing and shoes to kitchen items and gifts.

NON-PROFIT/ VOLUNTEER RUN! Elk Valley Thrift Shop 127 Centennial Square, Sparwood 250 425 0853

CELEBRATE

the lives of those who have fought cancer

HONOUR BATTLE

the loved ones lost

against the disease

Cherished Memories “Serenity Chapel” Cherished Memories Crematorium Your Loved One Never Leaves Our Care

The Free Press proudly supports the

Elk Valley Relay for Life.

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