By DANIELLE GALVIN
Friends and family join in fight against cancer…
IN THE next 24 hours – 79 Victorians will be told they have cancer.
Within Cardinia Shire each year, 302 people including brothers, sisters, parents, friends and workmates will be diagnosed with cancer.
On Friday night, the second Cardinia Relay for Life will serve as a powerful tribute to those who have lost their battles with cancer and those who have fought alongside them.
Event organiser Michael McKenzie from the Cancer Council said the fund-raiser helped to pay for the organisation’s research, prevention programs and support services across the state.
He said organisers had recruited 31 teams so far this year.
“Relay for Life is an opportunity for local residents to band together – celebrating cancer survivors, remembering loved ones lost and fighting back against cancer,” he said.
“Teams of 10 or more will keep a baton moving around the track overnight to raise funds for Cancer Council Victoria.
“Teams will camp out at Pakenham Football Club, Toomuc Reserve to support their team mates.
“We’re encouraging everyone – whether they were involved last year or not – to sign up again for this moving community event.”
There will also be an honorary lap for survivors and carers as well as a candlelight ceremony at dusk to pay tribute to loved ones affected by cancer.
Anyone in the community who has experienced cancer is invited to join together for the walk.
“Every year, more than 300 Shire of Cardinia residents are diagnosed with cancer,” Cardinia Relay for Life chairman George Blenkhorn said.
“By participating in the survivors’ and carers’ walk, you can share cancer experiences with others who truly understand and at the same time help inspire the hundreds of local Relay for Life participants who are raising funds to fight this disease.”
Mr McKenzie said Steve Maloney, president of the Pakenham Football Club, had kindly let the volunteer committee use the facilities for committee meetings in the lead up to the event as well as the event itself.
“He has also been involved on the committee and has helped the relay out immensely,” he said.
Mr McKenzie said there are 400 people registered to relay.
“Twenty-seven survivors of cancer and 86 carers will be walking in the opening survivor and carer lap,” he said.
“Community members are more than welcome to come down and register on the day of the event.
“We hope to get another 150 registrations on the day.”
The event begins at 5.40pm on Friday and will be held at Pakenham Football Club, Toomuc Reserve.
The survivors’ and carers’ walk will commence at 6pm.
To find out more about the event, phone 1300 65 65 85 or visit www.relayforlife.org.au.
