Sun shone on the Relay for Life Saturday
By Mona Mattei
After nearly two weeks of rain the sun came out in full force for the Grand Forks Relay for Life. The annual fundraiser for the Canadian Cancer Society is held in 53 communities across B.C. and the Yukon, and Grand Forks ranks well with the total raised at the time of printing at $31,253.
The day opened after a welcome from Grand Forks Mayor Brian Taylor and a warm-up with Jazzercise expert Paula Mitchell with the survivor’s victory lap and closed with the traditional luminary procession. While the victory lap celebrates the strength and courage of people who have fought cancer, the luminaries remember those who are no longer with us or who may be fighting the disease right now.
Although Kathy Abrosimoff tops the list for individuals as a top fundraiser, Trish Horz may pass her in the final count. Trish shaved her head for the relay and estimates she has collected almost $3,000. Other individuals at the top of the list include: Cathy Manson, Sarah Kientz and Diane Sookeroff. The top teams were: Girls (and Boys) Just Wanna Have FUNdraisers, D & D Divas, Grand Forks Credit Union, Grand Forks Gazette and Pharmasave.
The three head shaves for the event were mostly men, along with Trish who had never cut her hair short for 40 years. Ian Barnfield and Ron Dallamore both shaved their long locks for the cause too!
The annual Relay for LIfe funds cancer research, cancer prevention initiatives, advocacy for healthier communities; provide comprehensive cancer information and deliver caring support programs to people with cancer, their families and caregivers.
Watch our video to see the victory lap, interviews with cancer survivors, and Trish’s head shave!
For more pictures go to: Grand Forks Relay for Life image gallery
