Relay for Life

Last weekend I participated in the Canadian Cancer Society's Relay for Life. My sister and I co-captained a team made up of a few friends and family members. We wanted to raise money to support our mom in her fight and for all the other people we and others know that have battled this disease. It turned out to be a rain-soaked night, but we still managed to have a really great time. The event was well planned and there was lots to do all night in between laps of the track. My sister, her friend, and I even managed to actually stay up all night without as much difficulty as we thought. There was a parade at the beginning where cancer survivors marched, and then a parade of teams with their costumes.

This is the survivors parade, and this is my Auntie Carole walking in it, beside the lady with the red umbrella!

Our team was called the Fighting Females (and we even made it onto the Global news as we marched in the opening parade!!) My favourite thing about it was the luminaries, that people could purchase in memorial to loved ones, to encourage those fighting cancer, and to celebrate survivors. When they were all lit up at night along the relay track it was beautiful and they were very touching to read. Our team did an awesome job fundraising, we raised over $3000 total! Despite the bad weather, most of us look forward to putting together a team for next year. Most of the pictures above were taken by my sister's friend Shauna who was brave enough to bring her camera out in the rain. Here are a few other pictures (none of the pictures do justice to the amount of rain that was pouring down):

My stepsister Bobbi and I inside the tent:

Veronica and two of her friends staying dry under the Fan 960 canopy which we were squatters in when they weren't there, because it was right next to our assigned "campsite":
Tirian and I hanging out in the warm, dry food and beverage tent:
The six team members who toughed it out and were still there at the closing after breakfast! Way to go girls! There are lots of Relay for Life events around Alberta and Canada in the next few weeks. If you know anyone taking part, please support them (or think about doing it yourself). Everyone knows someone affected by cancer. And thanks to all those who supported me and our team!