Jasmine Garcha, development co-chair of the Surrey Relay For Life event, was just a young girl when her mother was diagnosed with colorectal cancer in April, 2000.
She watched as her mother Gurvinder went though several months of chemotherapy and radiation, which couldn’t have been easy.
But after treatment, the cancer subsided, and her mom’s checkups became less frequent.
And 10 years later, she took part in the 2010 Relay for Life, an annual fundraiser that celebrates the lives of those who are living with cancer. And she was back to do the survivor’s lap the following year.
This year, now aged 46 and still cancer-free, Gurvinder will be back to do that lap at the 2012 Surrey Relay For Life, taking place June 9 at the Cloverdale Millennium Ampthitheatre.
The event is a fundraiser and awareness event for the Canadian Cancer Society’s BC and Yukon division.
Jasmine’s team name – Fighting For You – is dedicated to her mom. But it also describes the 22-year-old’s work with the fundraiser.
“I’m very focused on building relationships with teams and encouraging others,” she said. “On event day, I want to make teams feel welcome and make sure they have everything they need.”
Singers and musicians, a Bhangra competition and even a bagpipe performance are some of the entertainment activities planned for this year’s Surrey Relay For Life.
The entertainers will help keep the participants walking, rolling and strolling throughout the night during the all-night fundraising event.
The opening ceremonies start at noon, June 9, followed by a first lap done by a survivor. When night falls, participants light luminaries as a way to remember loved ones who have been lost to cancer. The event wraps up with a fight back ceremony.
There’s still time to register your team for the event. Visit www.relaybc.ca/surrey2012 or call 604-649-5201 to get involved.
– Cloverdale Reporter