DIGBY, NS - Cancer survivor Darlene D’Eon has been named the 2018 Digby Relay for Life ambassador.
“It’s so very important to me to encourage others, especially other survivors to participate in this cause,” the Digby woman said.
D’Eon was diagnosed with kidney cancer in 2011, but after a strong fight, she’s proud to be seven-years cancer free.
“I still haven’t come to terms that I am a survivor,” she adds.
D’Eon was named the new ambassador at a Relay for Life information session at the Digby Curling Club on March 7.
“Every year, I look forward to crossing off the years of being cancer free.”
The Digby Relay for Life will take place on June 16, from 6 p.m. until midnight.
There are seven teams registered already, with a few more still to come. The goal this year is to have at least 15 teams, 150 participants and raise $45,000.
There is still lots of time to register, but the earlier teams register, the more fundraising they can do.
“You’ll really feel like you’re a part of the team and a part of the community working together,” said Niki Lewis, the Southwest district coordinator of the Canadian Cancer Society.
Some of the fundraising from the relay goes towards funding cancer research, towards Camp Goodtime and The Lodge That Gives.
“It’s so important to support the survivors in our community and the survivors all across Canada,” she added.
Relay for life participants will be hosting fundraising events in the upcoming months leading up to the relay. One of the fundraisers beginning in the next few weeks, includes raffle tickets for all-inclusive Cavendish Beach Music Festival passes and Bay Ferries Ltd. passes.
Follow the Digby Relay for life Facebook page for more information
FACTS ABOUT RELAY FOR LIFE AND THE CANADIAN CANCER SOCIETY
- In the last 11 years, the Digby Relay for Life has raised over $550,000
- The first Canadian relay was held in 1999
- Since then, over $500 million has been raised.
- In 2017 across Canada, $25 million was raised.
- Every day, 17 Nova Scotian’s will hear, “You have cancer”