It’s time to get walking, as Relay for Life returns on June 3.
In 2015, 196,900 Canadians were diagnosed with cancer. About two in five Canadians will develop cancer in their lifetimes and one in four will die of the disease.
These statistics are why Sharon Cozzarin, Fergus resident and Bosom Buddies relay team member, joined the walk.
“I have four brothers and four sisters and I figure, that means one of us is going to get cancer, so I thought let’s be proactive here, let’s get out there and raise some money before it hits one of us,” she said.
Relay for Life has combined its efforts for Guelph and Wellington County relays. The relay takes place June 3 from 6pm to 12am at the Guelph Lake Conservation Area.
Twenty-eight teams, including Bosom Buddies, are walking this year in the combined relay with a revenue goal of $82,250.
“Our goal is to raise funds to make an impact in the fight against cancer. Funds from Relay For Life are used to support Canada’s most promising cancer research and vital support services for people living with cancer and their families,” said Karen Griffiths, senior manager at the Canadian Cancer Society – Waterloo Wellington.
In 2015, 331 communities participated in Relay for Life nation-wide, raising $34 million for cancer research.
According to the Canadian Cancer Society, every hour of every day, an average of 22 people will be diagnosed with some type of cancer, and about nine people will die from the disease. Cancer cases are expected to rise 40 per cent over the next 15 years.
“Everybody knows somebody that has cancer and we just need to fight it,” said Cozzarin.
She has surpassed her fundraising goal of $1,000, raising almost $2,000 so far.
It is not to late to register or donate. Visit www.relayforlife.ca/wellington or call the Canadian Cancer Society Wellington County Community Office at 519-824-4261.
