Relay for Life at John Fraser Secondary School, 2008.

Canadians raised over $56 million dollars in 2009 to bring hope for a cure to those who have cancer via the Canadian Cancer Society’s Relay for Life event.

There is a lot to do at the events. Participants are entertained, fed and it was a night to chill out with friends in addition to the symbolism.

In Milton, there was a thunderstorm. To stay dry, we huddled in the barns, playing in a drum circle and doing the limbo dance. It was tonnes of fun!

In general, you start the event gathering together in daylight, enjoying the warmth of day with your friends.

Then night falls.

Your life is covered in darkness. Just as your life would feel if you hear the words “You Have Cancer”.

Together, with your friends and the other participants, you parade around the track. You walk in circles along a path lined with luminaries. From 7pm until 7am the next day, you reflect upon the memories of people lost and the joys of people who survived. With solidarity, you keep vigil over the luminaries until daylight.

That symbolizes the cure for cancer. Hope has changed to cure.

The luminaries are lit in honour or memory of people who have survived or been taken by cancer. As you walk around reading these glowing messages in the cold darkness, you cannot help but be touched and share in the joys and pains of everyone who has been touched by cancer.

I have three aunts who are cancer survivors and my grandma was weakened by cancer to the point she was taken by pneumonia.

This year, I learned that a mutual friend in the fairly tight knit dragon boat community has been diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

I hope to participate this year in Relay for Life, not just as a journalist, but as a full participant as well. I hope the participation will not only honour the aunts whose strength helped them survive, but also to bring hope and eventually cure to Jennifer Nguyen, Victoria Berezowski and others in their shoes.

How has cancer touched your life? What have you done to help? Please feel free to share your experiences below to help inspire us all to fight cancer!

Relay for Life, Milton Fairgrounds, 2008. Lady sits by the tents as a thunderstorm drenches the relay.

Relay for Life, Milton Fairgrounds, 2008. The thunderstorm did not stop the participants from enjoying themselves in the barn as their waited out the storm.

Relay for Life, Milton Fairgrounds, 2008. Tears are shed as a slideshow is displayed in memory of the loved ones whom the participants lost to cancer.