Last Friday night at the new Ancaster Fairgrounds, our communities participated in an unforgettable night — the second Ancaster Dundas Relay for Life, Canada’s major cancer fundraiser. Fifty teams of 10, many in costumes, pitched tents in Tent City and walked around the track all night. One hundred volunteers helped out. A thousand luminaries in honour of loved ones touched by cancer lined the track. Survivors were celebrated in a special ceremony and launched the relay with the Survivor Victory Lap. It was a night of stories, tears, laugher and hugs. Even the rain came at a convenient time.

Our honourary chairs were Sunni Genesco and Mike Nabuurs, our honourary survivor chair was Shirley Elford. Bill Kelly did a marvellous job as host. Raku artist Barbara Sachs created and donated the survivor gifts, pins of polar bears hugging. Entertainment was organized by Gord Conroy of Theatre Ancaster. Music was provided all evening by Rev. David Pickett, Frank Pierce, Colin Lapsley and Jeremy Guther, The Dunn Brothers, Roger Girard and Friends, 3Style and John of Sound Productions.

We were well-fed all night long, thanks to Rousseau House, Ancaster Fortinos, The Opera House Tea Room, Tim Hortons, Oak Run Bakery, Ancaster Wal-Mart, Cora’s, Lindt Chocolate and The Meat Factory. A hot waffle breakfast was prepared by Ancaster AM Rotary.

We thank our event sponsors, Homes by de Santis and Rosehaven Homes; our survivor sponsor, Mattamy Homes and our site sponsor, Ancaster Agricultural Society. The new Ancaster Fairgrounds was the perfect venue, and the staff there worked beyond our expectations. Our media sponsors were Talk 820, Oldies 1150, K-Life FM, Astral Media and Hamilton Community News. We especially thank Debra Downey for her excellent articles profiling participants in the relay.

Local businesses purchased signs for the track, and many contributed to our very successful silent auction. The Hamilton Wentworth Office of the Canadian Cancer Society supported us emotionally and practically.

All of this came together thanks to our steering committee of 20 people who worked for six months planning every minute of the relay. They are a gold standard committee. More than $125,000 was raised by the Ancaster Dundas Relay for Life.

And despite two hours of pelting rain, the 1,000 luminaries were still burning strong at 7 in the morning. Like these candles, our efforts will not be quenched until we have eradicated this terrible disease called cancer, which touches every single one of us.

Vicky Wylson-Sher and Lorna Pennie, Co-Chairs, Relay for Life