Middleton Relay for Life a big success

By Heather Killen

The Spectator

NovaNewsNow.com

People of all ages turned up at Rotary Park to join the fight against cancer during this year’s Relay For Life June 13.

Amanda Bent, district coordinator for the Canadian Cancer Society, said that both the Town of Middleton and 14 Wing Greenwood took special honours for the high level of participation and support these communities have donated to the annual event.

"Relay For Life is about raising awareness about the progress we are making," she said. "There are over 200 types of cancer and together we are going to see more cancers cured. We will get to a day where no one will fear a cancer diagnosis."

This year’s event raised nearly $400,000 in the Annapolis Valley, with $131,000 of this being raised in Middleton. In the last six years, Middleton has raised $896,000 for the Cancer Society.

Sixty-three teams participated in the Middleton Relay For Life, this figure is down from more than 70 registered last year.

The total raised in Nova Scotia to date is $1,800,000, with more events to come.

Bent said that while the event is focused on raising funds in support of people who are living with cancer, it’s also a time to remember the many people who are no longer with us.

"Everyone has a story about how cancer has touched his or her life," said Bent. "But the good news is how together, we represent a powerful force that can actually make cancer history."

Bent added that she is grateful to all the committee members, sponsors, local businesses, service clubs, participants, volunteers, caregivers, and survivors who helped make this year’s event so successful.

"It is each of you that makes the Relay For Life what it is, a night to celebrate, remember and fight back," she said.