The founder of the International Relay For Life, Dr. Gordon Klatt, has pulled out of attending the 20th anniversary celebration of the Prince George Relay For Life May 12 and 13 because he has been diagnosed with stomach cancer and will be undergoing
treatment.
"He wants everyone to carry on and this is why we do what we do," said Heather Owen, team lead for the local Relay For Life, which raises funds to fight cancer. "We're even more committed to get out there and raise the funds for the programs of support and research and spread awareness."
Klatt has already sent along a message that will be relayed to the participants of the 20th Relay For Life in Prince George.
"Throughout the years I have spoken and written about how cancer can personally affect everyone," said Klatt. "It affects the rich, the poor and all nationalities and cultures in the world. I have begun the battle with this disease using chemotherapy and then surgery this summer."
Jim VanderPloeg, honorary chair for the Relay For Life that started the original relay called the Romp and Stomp, will speak at this year's opening ceremonies, that includes a Fight Back pledge where everyone promises to fight against cancer by making better life choices, including to quit smoking, eat better and exercise more, said Owen.
There is a reception for survivors at 9 a.m. and
opening ceremonies will follow at 10 a.m.
"We encourage and invite all cancer survivors to take part in that," said Owen. All survivors are offered a yellow T-shirt to wear at the relay.
"The survivor lap is where we all cheer them on and celebrate their victory and it's quite inspiring to see the sea of yellow walking around the track," said Owen.
At midnight, the luminary ceremony takes place.
Luminaries are bags with candles in them and can be purchased for $5 each.
"You can get a bag in memory of someone who has lost their battle with cancer or in honour of a cancer survivor or someone who is on their cancer journey right now," explained Owen. "Sometimes the bags will just have a name on them, other times people will pick up the bag and decorate them with photos and sayings. We strive to have the track completely surrounded with the luminaries right at midnight."
The 20th annual Relay For Life is held at Masich Place beginning at 10 a.m. May 12 and ends at 10 a.m. on May 13, which is Mother's Day. Owen said there will be a pancake breakfast and she hopes everyone brings their mothers out for breakfast at the track.
The organizing committee is firming up a complete schedule and will more announce details closer to the date.
