Relay kick-off an emotional affair
Posted on May 4, 2009
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Repost from: The Interlake Spectator
Link to Story: http://www.interlakespectator.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1541885
GIMLI — Whitney Zelenitsky’s candour was not lost on the crowd of 120 people gathered for the kick-off of the Gimli Relay for Life Tuesday evening at the Lakeview Resort and Conference Centre.
Zelenitsky, 20, is a cancer survivor. She walked in last year’s relay — a fundraiser for the Canadian Cancer Society — as a person afflicted with a rare cancer. This year, she’ll walk as a survivor in the Gimli Relay for Life at Gimli Beach June 12.
The Winnipeg Beach woman was diagnosed with cancer at 19. She remarked about the care she’s received through her surgeries and cancer therapies. She said, at every turn, she has been met by caring professionals. “They truly are angels,” she said.
She recalled her first relay and said the opening walk of cancer survivors was “breathtaking and touching — a memory I will never forget.”
“No words can describe the feeling, walking that first survivor lap,” she said. “This year, I get to walk the survivor lap, and officially say I am a survivor.”
Sandra Pruden was diagnosed with cancer in 1978. She said the experience was life-changing. She told the crowd that she once heard from a survivor who called her cancer a gift. “I had to think long and hard about that,” said Pruden. “It wasn’t that cancer was the gift, rather the gift was the lessons learned along the way. I was given the gift of empathy. One of the gifts was the gift of thankfulness.”
The Gimli Relay for Life gathering was dubbed Ring in the Relay. Appropriately enough, Gimli Handbell Ringers, a handbell choir, performed during the kick-off. (The choir hosts a handbell gathering tomorrow at 3 p.m. at Johnson Hall, atop the Waterfront Centre.)
It was likely the first time many in the audience heard a handbell choir perform. The musicians’ performance was well received.
Serena Stier emceed the evening kick-off event. She said this year’s goal is to have 50 teams and 85 survivors participate. “We only need five more teams to reach one of our goals,” she said.
Stier highlighted some of the changes in this year’s fourth outing. Significantly, the relay takes place this year at Gimli Beach, after its first three years at Gimli Park. “Being on the beach is a fabulous change,” she said. “What a great thing it will be to watch the sun rise in the morning.”
The Lakeview Resort and Conference Centre donated two banquet rooms, a light repast and refreshments for the kick-off. Lakeview general manager Shirley Finnbogasson welcomed relay participants.
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“I lost both my parents to cancer, and know what a long, hard battle it can be,” she said. “For all of you, for all of the survivors, I applaud you. Don’t stop fighting.”
Jan Keryluk helped put some energy into the evening, as she led a session of Zumba dance. “It’s a work-out where you move to Latin and international music,” she explained, before launching into a spirited four minutes of dance.
Gimli Relay for Life co-chairs Sylvia Smith and Sherrie Gwizdak were buoyed by the turnout. They confirmed that there are 46 teams now registered, just four shy of the 50-team goal.
“After seeing the overwhelming response of participants and survivors in attendance at the kick-off, I am feeling confident that the Relay for Life event in Gimli will be a huge success,” concluded Smith.
If you’re looking to join the excitement and walk for a great cause, you can contact Smith at 642-4595 during the day.
COMMITTEE COMPOSITION
The Gimli Relay for Life committee includes co-chairs Gwizdak and Smith; Survivor chair Eva Haddad; Recruitment: Carolyn Kawaleski, Donna Isfeld, Theresa Dankochik, Ila Condie, Connie Snider and Serena Stier; Finance: Tannis Erickson and Larry Markusson; Registration chair Sandra Cronin; Media chair: Jim Mosher; Corporate Sponsorship: Sandra Pruden and Rob Munro; Luminaries: Linda Stevens and Darlene Johnston; Logistics: Thor Stevens and crew; Health and Safety: Don Condie; Canadian Cancer Society Rep: Dawna Suchy; Security: Ron Haddad; Activities: Sandy Reimer and Susie Stevenson; and Highlights for HOPE: Pam Isfeld.
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