After unofficially participating in last year’s Relay for Life, Dianne Forman knew they would have a team this year.
As part of Quesnel Family Group, Forman wears her positivity all the time.
“We went to Relay last year and encouraged all the teams and people walking the path, we also encouraged others to come to the park,” she said.
Forman and fellow teammate Fritz Wyssen are soliciting members through the Quesnel Family Group Facebook page, with a link to their team on the Relay website or on Relay’s Facebook page.
On a personal level, Foreman has lost two grandmothers to cancer and knows the disease has touched just about everybody, giving everyone a reason to Relay.
So far they have eight team members but are looking to add many more.
“It’s important to know we accept any contribution no matter how big or small, it’s all about family and participating,” she emphasized.
“We’ve kept our fundraising expectations low so people aren’t put off. We want as many as possible to come on board, however it would be nice to sail past that $150/team member number.”
Wyssen also has many reasons to Relay.
“I’m doing it for family and friends that have lost their battle with cancer, but more importantly for our children so they have a fighting chance against this terrible disease,” he said.
“In the many years as a paramedic I’ve seen the difference. Trips to the hospital used to be one way and now more are coming back home with extended time to spend with their loved ones.”
The team already have a couple of fundraisers planned including a hot dog sale as well as sales of sturdy, reusable bags they are making from reusing colourful street banners.
When asked how she feels about the new Relay for Life location, Forman was excited.
“I like that it’s on a Friday night which starts the weekend off right,” she said.
“And I think the new site is great. People will see the positive atmosphere we enjoy in the West Side Village.”
As for the dinner, they agreed it just adds to the fun of the whole event.
As first time participants they are very excited.
“The whole Quesnel Family Group are always happy to be part of something positive.”
Forman said cancer scares people, especially kids battling the disease.
“They are amazing and they need all the support and celebration we can provide. Relay is a terrific way to support, celebrate and remember all those people.”
Wyssen added, “we may not find a cure in our lifetime but by the support of fellow Canadians, we have come leaps and bounds in treatment options that have eliminated cancer in many that never had the chance 30 years ago.”
The team doesn’t have any pre-conceived expectations for Relay day but just knows it will be fun.
So anyone interested in joining Quesnel Family Group Relay team is welcome.
“We’re hoping parents and children will come on board on our team,” they said.
Relay for Life, May 27, is a celebration of people who are currently living cancer-free and a memorial for those who lost their battle with cancer.
This year, Relay is on Friday, 5 – 11 p.m. in Baker Creek Park. Watch for details of how you can get involved, form a team (register online www.relay.ca/quesnel) volunteer, drop by and encourage those participating and join in the fun. The public is invited to join the many teams already busy fundraising for a community dinner during Relay (by donation) and enjoy many fun, healthy activities. People are also encouraged to gather friends, co-workers, family, sports groups and anyone else to join a team and raise funds for the Canadian Cancer Society research and services. Don’t have a team? Just call Deb Burton 250-255-8225 and she’ll help put you in touch with a team you can join.
Don’t want to be on a team? Stop by the Baker Creek Park and join in the fun activities. Everyone is welcome.