Submitted by Shannon Hathaway
“I relay in memory of the most inspiring, amazing woman I’ve ever known – my mom.”
This year, on June 8, I will be participating in the Surrey/Cloverdale Relay For Life. I am Team Captain for “Walk the Talk Surrey,”; a team comprised of members of the organizing committee for the event who hope to inspire others to “Walk the Talk.”
When people ask me why I relay a myriad of reasons come to mind:
- I relay to help fund research and prevention, and for a future free from cancer
- I relay to encourage others to join our fight
- I relay in support of those fighting cancer
- And most of all I relay in memory of my mom
In June of 2010, after a year-long battle with cancer, I lost the most amazing woman I’ve ever known. Through countless rounds of chemotherapy and radiation my mom displayed strength of character far greater than any I’ve ever known. Her "It’s not over ‘til it’s over” attitude and determination are what allow me to keep walking no matter how tired and overwhelmed I feel, and her memory is the driving force behind my fundraising efforts.
Being a relay participant allows me to meet other caregivers, cancer fighters and survivors. These people come together once a year and work toward a common goal, creating a community of fighters that rally around each other for an experience unlike any other. The relay has also given me the opportunity to make a difference and to fight back against this terrible disease.
Please join us on June 8. By registering for Relay for Life, you join thousands across Canada in a commitment to fight cancer by raising funds for ground-breaking research and vital community services.
For more information on how you can celebrate cancer survivors, remember loved ones lost to cancer and fight back in the hope of finding a cure, please visit www.relaybc.ca/surrey2013 or phone 604.533.1145
