It is difficult in this day and age to find a family that hasn't been impacted by cancer.
The members of the St. Paul's Lutheran Church Relay for Life team know this only too well. Cancer has hit not only their relatives, but the members of the church family as well. In fact, among the team members gathered in the basement of the church following service on April 13 are four who have beaten cancer. Some, like Tero Paavola, have been cancer free for 35 years while others, like June Adams, are celebrating six months cancer free.
"I started because a number of people, including my father and my friend Lori, have had that connection with cancer. As years go by, your reasons for being involved come and go. In the past I've been a supporter, and this year I will be back on the track as a survivor so that takes on a new meaning... As a survivor I am looking forward to it because it is important to have that support. It is so nice to see people out there walking for this cause," said an emotional Adams.
"I am a 12-year survivor and I am touched that so many have started being involved in the Relay for Life for me. I think it is great as a church to be out there for people to see we support each other and others who have been affected by cancer," said Lori Wilson, whose name was brought up frequently when asked why the members relay year after year.
For other survivors the Relay for Life shows not only how committed people are to finding a cure for cancer, but that others have shared their experience.
"The most I get out of it is to see how many survivors there are in the yellow shirts. I have seen people I've known for years who I didn't know were survivors. It puts more meaning into the Relay for Life and makes you feel like you're not alone," said Oliver Senum, who has been cancer free for four years but whose father passed away from prostate cancer.
For those who have been fortunate enough not to have to battle the disease head-on, seeing how deadly cancer is provides more than enough motivation to take to the track.
"I started because I wanted to support people who have had cancer. We have several in our congregation, but I also wanted to support everyone who has been affected... I think every family has been touched by cancer," said Sheila Seidemann, who played a key role in organizing the first team and has seen support for the relay grow.
Some on the team have been doing the Relay for Life year-in and year-out through wind and rain, like Erin Seidemann who will once again walk all 12 hours of the Relay for Life, while other members will be making their first trips around the track.
"This is my first year going into the relay. I'm doing it because I have family that have not survived and classmates who have. I will do anything to support the research that is going on," said intern-pastor Sarah Aasheim.
Over the years, the Relay for Life has become something of a social event for member of the church, with St. Paul's often taking home the team spirit award, members gathering around the track to cheer each other on and plenty of food on the site. While the fun and fellowship is something everyone looks forward to, the memories that last are about just why people relay.
"A few years ago I saw a woman who was 25 years old or so walking alone along the track. She had just lost her mother to cancer six months before the Relay for Life and she was sobbing the whole walk. I walked with her for a little while and offered for her to join us, but she wanted to keep walking... I think there is a serenity involved and part of it is somewhat coming to peace with what has happened," said Sheila.
"For me it is the luminary walk at the end of the evening. It is very bittersweet because you see all these lit-up bags with 'in memory of' or 'in honour of' Last year, I had a friend who recently lost a loved one to cancer. I walked with him and it was very emotional," said Adams.
This year, there are 21 members of the St. Paul's Lutheran Church team, with one full team and a second team started with six members. Anyone looking to join the team can contact Sharon Paavola or Sheila Seidemann.
Whether walking in honour of those battling cancer, those who have beaten cancer or those who have survived, everyone has a reason to Relay.
This year's Relay for Life takes place from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on June 1 at the Prince Rupert Middle School track.