Corina Fransen knows too many people who have battled cancer, 17 in fact.
Of those, eight have passed away and six of those eight were under the age of 40.
“We have lost people we’ve loved and watched loved ones go through the cancer journey and those aren’t great odds,” Corina said.
Three years ago, she made the decision to form a Relay for Life team with her coworkers at Dengarry Professional Services in order to help raise money for the Canadian Cancer Society in their effort to kick cancer out of individual’s lives, families and communities.
“I’m fortunate to work for a company that gives back to the community both in the services we provide and those we serve also volunteer in the community,” Corina said.
She proudly reported that each year, her team has the maximum number of members and she has even asked for permission to go over capacity.
“I don’t have to jazz up the team, they’re ready to go as soon as I announce we’re forming a team,” she said with a big smile.
Although each team member is only required to raise $100, Corina said each year they’ve raised more than that and expects this year to be the same.
“We have garage sales in the past but most team members gather pledges,” she said.
“I’ve tried challenging other people at other agencies but so far no one has taken up the challenge.”
Corina added people need to know, other than Relay day, it’s not a big time consumer to organize a team.
“If everyone has a role in the leadup to Relay, its just a case about one to two hours getting everyone on board and signed up then a few e-mails to see where everyone’s at,” she said.
“Then of course Relay day, but that’s just one day.
“And $100 is not a huge amount for each person to raise.”
Corina’s daughter Maggie has been at her mother’s side for the past three years, helping sell luminaries and cookies as well as spending time in LeBourdais Park on Relay day.
However this year, Maggie is 13 and decided she wanted to form her own team, The Believers.
“So many people we know have had cancer, Relay For Life is a good cause and it helps toward finding a cure, it gives people hope,” Maggie said.
When she announced over her school intercom that she was going to be in Relay and did anyone want to join her, Maggie’s best friend and four close friends registered to be on her team.
Maggie said they’d be fundraising beginning soon and expect to hold bake sales, yard sales and of course collect pledges.
When asked what their decorating theme for Relay day was, Maggie sheepishly replied, “we’ve got great ideas but first we have to get a tent.”
This will be Maggie and most of her team members’ first time formally participating in Relay For Life and she couldn’t be more excited.
“I’m excited to be there all day, if it’s hot I’ll bring a fan, if it’s cold and rainy, I’ll bring a jacket and umbrella,” she said with a grin.
“I’m good as long as the snacks last.”
As team leader, Corina has to spend the entire day in the park and is looking forward to doing the same this year.
As for Maggie, she has a more youthful attitude.
“It’s a great day when you spend it in the park and who doesn’t want to spend a day in the park.”
Quesnel’s Relay For Life is a unique, empowering and unforgettable experience that celebrates survivors, remembers loved ones and mobilizes communities. This year’s Relay is May 26 in LeBourdais Park.
For information contact Michelle Godfrey, 250-983-8815, quesnelrelay@bc.cancer.ca.ca or Cathy Briggs, 250-747-2510, cbriggs@bc.cancer.ca.