Dan Baxter has been cancer-free for four year and says his participation in the annual Canadian Cancer Society’s Relay for Life is his way of giving back to everyone who helped him survive.
The event is more than just a fundraiser for cancer research, the Thunder Bay resident said.
“I believe it’s important to show that you are a cancer survivor and it’s an easy event to attend. There’s no cost involved and it just gives everyone hope. It gives those who are battling now hope,” Baxter said.
For Lawrence Badanai, the event chairman for the 2012 event, cancer is a two-time adversary. He’s a first-time participant and said he wants to make this year’s event bigger, better and even more fun than usual.
It’s not easy, he admitted.
“It’s an emotional 12-hour journey,” Badanai said. “Last year we made over $155,000 in donations and this year we’re going for over $200,000. It’s a little bit of a leap, but we think with all of our survivors and the support of Thunder Bay we can really do it.”
According to projections provided by the CCS, about 177,800 new cases of cancer and 75,000 deaths from the disease were expected in Canada in 2011. About half of those diagnoses were expected to be lung, colorectal, prostate and breast cancers.
While the increases are attributed to a growing and aging population, Badanai and other survivors would like to see those numbers start to drop.
That’s why an event like Relay for Life is so important.
“The cause really is supportive. It’s one-on-one with cancer survivors and also with those who support cancer survivors. It’s really an emotional trip that everyone in our community can be a part of, not only on June 15 at Fort William Historical Park, but also afterward, when we give back and support the community,” he said.
Once again the luminary candles will be back and placed in special bags in recognition of those who didn’t survive their battle with the disease.
To register, donate, volunteer or purchase a luminary, visit www.relayforlife.ca.
