Relay For Life 2009



In January of 2005, my little sister Amber (then 18 years old) was diagnosed with Cancer. 6 months later, she completed Chemotherapy. A few months after that it was confirmed that she wasn't going to have further treatment. It was quite a ride for her, and for those closest to her. I'm so grateful that she was able to get through this experience and come out on top!


Last night, I was able to attend the Canadian Cancer Society's Relay For Life in Brant that took place at the track at the Burford Fairgrounds.

It was pretty cool to find out when we got there that Amber had been asked to carry the flag for the Survivor's Victory Lap!


There were teams that ran or walked the relay overnight together (the relay is 12 hours long- from 7pm, to 7am).

This is Amber with her team, "A Step In the Right Direction":


I didn't catch all of the team's names, but there were certain teams you couldn't miss- like "Alice's Aliens" and "Candace's Angels" :)
(I have to add that I just found an article about Alice Wood who, at 96 years old, is the disease's oldest survivor!)


Here are just a few of the teams:


It was touching to see the different groups and to know that so many of them (and so many of the people there to support them in the relay) had personal reasons for being there, and were there to support a special person in their life who is facing or has faced a battle with Cancer.


The place was packed with "survivors" in yellow tshirts with blue ribbons that showed how long they'd been surviving and the track was lined with luminaries representing those who had fought the fight against cancer.

Here we are: (My mom, niece, sister & I, with Amber)


My heart goes out to those who have faced or are facing the fight against Cancer and I am so appreciative of those who supported the Relay for Life this year!

7 comments:

  1. Wow Heather! What a great job you did sharing the story of the night with us. The colours are beautiful. I can't believe it has been 4 years already for Amber. How blessed she is to be healthy and happy!

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  2. wow what an event! some of those teams go all out. your pics are awesome - as always. and way to go Amber!

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  3. Thanks Sherry! It is crazy to think that much time has passed.

    Thank you Jacquie :)

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  4. Wow. Thank you for sharing your story with all of us. And congratulations to your sister for fighting hard.

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  5. What a wonderful thing to participate in! Definitely a wonderful post.

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  6. Wow...a great story and a great job covering this event!

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  7. amazing post! I help coordinate a walk in boston every year to raise money for cancer and it so great to see your fantastic pictures of a really great event.

    i am so happy that there are so many yellow shirts in this post.

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Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment- I love reading them! :)
~Heather Lynne