HUNDREDS of supporters filled the Buffalo City Jan Smuts Stadium on Saturday to remember and celebrate the lives of those who had succumbed to cancer in the annual Cansa Relay for Life race.
The race is aimed at raising funds for the fight against cancer.
The second annual Cansa Relay for Life race also attracted cancer survivors, supporters, charities and other organisations who came together to support this initiative.
Brave survivor, Michelle Arends, who resides in Parkside said she thought she was going to die when she doctor told her she was diagnosed with colorectal cancer, which is also commonly known as colon cancer.
“I could not believe it or accept it. I asked the doctor to tell my husband and my mother in-law what he had told me. I was in shock.
“But today, here I am to celebrate with other survivors and to show those who are scared that you can beat cancer,” Arends said.
The chairperson of the event, Wayne Weyer, said the event gave that the unique event offered everyone in the community the opportunity to participate in the fight against cancer.
“Relay for Life is a fun, overnight team event that raises awareness of cancer and raises much needed funds to fight cancer.
“It is a volunteer driven and community owned event. Each team pays a commitment fee and is encouraged to raise a target to support Cansa’s prevention, education and patience care programmes in the region,” he said.
He said they had managed to raise an amount of R4500 at the event and funds were still coming in.
Participants were entertained with music and activities.
Craig Ollis, Managing director of Dynamic Sounds, Craig Ollis a sound, lighting and technical solution company that donated their services to the event, said the event was closest to his heart.
“My father died of cancer in 2002. He was a musician and the Cansa Relay has touched me and has played a role in helping me come to terms with my father’s death,” he said,” said Ollis.
