Sisters at Relay for Life
Sisters for Life group members braved the chilly weather on Fri., June 2, to show their support and raise funds to help fight against cancer. From left, Joy Krol, Kim Casselman, Maureen Robertson, Angie Beehler, Sue Casselman, Meghan-Tia Robertson, Patsy Casselman and Wendy Heagle. Sawyer Helmer photo
Kalynn Sawyer Helmer
Record Staff
MAXVILLE – The theme of this year’s SD&G Relay for Life was “Together We are Stronger.” This was precisely true for the evening event on Fri., June 2. Event Chair Sue Casselman explained that after years of having multiple Relay for Life events around SD&G, this year, the event committee brought everyone together in the Maxville Fairgrounds. The six-hour event included hot food, a new colour run activity, lip-synching, line dancers, a time capsule and, of course, the many attendees walking or running around the track.
Cancer survivors and Relay for Life attendees Pattie Smith, Pauline Williams and Cecile Bonneville came together as strangers under a common goal on Fri., June 2. The ladies bonded in their thankfulness to attend the event and see the strength of a community coming together. Sawyer Helmer photo
The event raised over $57,000 to help fight against cancer. The top team was Sisters for Life with over $18,000. Top individual fundraiser was Georgette Surch with $2,900 and best decorated team site went to Footsteps of an Angel.
A live auction was performed by Finch auctioneer Chad Simmons, the meal was catered by Elwyn Massia from Monkland, and the pizza donated for the PJ party from North Glengarry Restaurant in Alexandria. Also in attendance were Mayors Dennis Fife and Jim Bankcroft showing their support.
Casselman was dolled up in red and white for her group Sisters for Life who have raised over $65,000 over the five years they have been together.
The Relay for Life is about giving people hope, said survivor Pattie Smith who was at the event. Fellow survivors Cecile Bonneville and Pauline Williams all agreed that they were thankful to have the opportunity and health to participate in the event. “It makes you realize what other people are going through,” said Bonneville. The three brave ladies who were strangers at the beginning of the night bonded over coming together through the event as survivors. Whether cancer free for 25 years or five years, the Relay for Life is about hope.
