Amazing Job Sarnia!

I attended my first Relay for Life on Friday night in Sarnia at Clearwater Park and I was left in tears, and pretty much at a loss for words.

I went as a member of The Studio – a fitness studio in Sarnia – to join the group for Zumba.   I went to support the event and because my life has been touched by cancer.

My dad is a cancer survivor. It’s been 13 years cancer free and I am so thankful for that.  I just didn’t realize how I took that for granted all these years. I didn’t really let it sink in, just what a battle he fought through to still be here. It took staring at a candle on the track to really FEEL it. To feel how LUCKY we are to still have him.

My grandmother and grandfather both lost their lives to cancer. It was awful.  And at the time, in both cases misdiagnosed.

My aunt lost her life to the disease. It kept her from seeing me get married. It robbed her of her life before it took it.

It’s not choosy.  Cancer doesn’t pick favourites.  It’s a horrible, horrible, horrible disease that steals so many lives.

But how awesome is it, to see community come together in the fight to beat it?

I was absolutely amazed.

What an incredible event and Sarnia should feel so very proud.  An incredible turnout. 80 participants, 150 cancer survivors and 150 volunteers and so many visitors to the event.

And so much money raised. Way more than anticipated.  The goal was $104,000.  By the end of the night they hit $148,000 and were still counting.  Sarnia is a community with heart.

So many people. So many teams. Survivors. Caregivers. Family. Friends. Community.

Coming together to stand strong in the fight.  Standing in love and support of each other.  It was emotional for sure, and even through the tears, there was so much positive energy.

I did my part with the Zumba group which is always so much fun.  (You are more than welcome to come join us at the Studio anytime – first class is always free).

But then I walked a few laps. I bought a luminary for my dad and decorated it in honour of him and for everyone who has battled cancer.  For everyone who doesn’t have someone to stand in support with them.

To see the line of luminaries along the route was beyond words.  Each bag/candle representing a life hit by cancer.  Whether that person won the fight, was still fighting or ultimately lost the battle.

When the ceremony began and the candles were lit and there was silence – with the exception of the bagpipes – the tears flowed.  For my dad and grandparents. For my aunt. And for each and everyone standing there in support and for each person represented.

It was an incredible experience that I will never ever forget.

$148,000 raised and still counting. Amazing job Sarnia.

Read the story HERE.

Categorised in: Afternoons

This post was written by Carrie Buchanan