Cancer Council Victoria is appealing to locals of all ages in Hawthorn and the surrounding areas of Boroondara to get a group of family, friends or colleagues together and form a team for Hawthorn’s much-loved Relay For Life on 23 March.
Relay For Life is a local fundraising movement that empowers communities to come together to celebrate cancer survivors, remember loved ones lost and fight back against cancer. This will be Hawthorn’s 11th Relay event, with the fundraising movement celebrating more than 20 years in Victoria.
Led by a committee and supported by staff from Cancer Council Victoria, there are 31 events across Victoria in 2019 raising vital funds for Cancer Council Victoria’s cancer research, prevention programs and support services. Suitable for families and people of all ages, Relays include community fundraising in the lead up to the main event, as well as activities, live entertainment, music and candle lighting ceremonies on the event day.
Hawthorn Relay For Life participant, Georgia:
It might seem hard to put the day-to-day stresses aside and take part in Relay but the foundation of Relay For Life is in its community and it simply doesn’t happen if we don’t have participants. There are very few of us these days who have not been affected by cancer and this is such an easy way to make a practical and meaningful difference. It is an unmissable event for my family because we will forever be grateful that our cancer experience was so brief. We appreciate the chance to give back and to support those who have had a harder journey than us. It will also give Ella a chance to identify with the reason she has a prosthetic eye.
In 2012, Georgia’s daughter Ella, aged 16 months, was diagnosed with retinoblastoma, a childhood cancer of the eye. Her eye was removed, however thankfully there was no need for follow-up chemotherapy or radiotherapy. The Jacobs Family, family friends of Ella and Georgia, suggested that Georgia’s family create their own team in the Relay For Life and have Ella march in the survivors and carers lap.
At the time of our visits to the Children’s Hospital, we became acutely aware of how fortunate we were that Ella did not have to undergo further treatment, and that she had a full bill of health. Forming our own team was easy to do. This Relay event brings the people of the local community together to work towards the common goals of fighting cancer and providing much needed funds to support the care of those living with cancer. It takes everyone out of the rush of everyday life and allows them to come together to share stories of strength, survival and grief, and to find support, fun and laughter amongst friends.
The support services funded by events such as Relay For Life include Cancer Council 13 11 20 information and support line. This service is available to anyone affected by cancer. It also includes Cancer Connect, a program which links those affected by cancer to others who have been through a similar experience to provide practical and emotional support over the phone.
To register for the Hawthorn Relay For Life, either as a participant or a local business wishing to be involved with the fundraiser, please phone 1300 65 65 85 or visit relayforlife.org.au.
When: Saturday, 23 March from 4pm Opening Ceremony 4pm Saturday; Closing Ceremony 10am Sunday. Candlelight Ceremony 8:30pm Saturday.
Where: Auburn High School Sporting Fields, Auburn Rd, Hawthorn East.
Cancer Council Victoria is a non-profit organisation leading the fight against all cancers for 82 years. We focus on cancer research, patient support, cancer prevention and advocacy. For further information, please visit cancervic.org.au or to speak to our experienced cancer nurses, please call Cancer Council 13 11 20. This is a confidential service for anyone with questions about cancer.
