Last Minute - The Lethbridge Journal

Survivor thrilled to be part of community making cancer history at Relay For Life
By Keri Griffith
Submitted to the Lethbridge Journal
Fighting through the fatigue between dusk and dawn, Tracey Thompson realized Relay For
Life could be used as an accurate cancer journey analogy.
“You do go through some very exhaustive states in the middle of the night at Relay, but you
just persevere and push yourself through,” says the 43-year-old Lethbridge resident. “Because
that’s what somebody with cancer does.”
She would know.
Thompson was 17 when she was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma and underwent
surgery, chemotherapy and radiation.
The experience gave Thompson a lasting desire to fight back against cancer. So she eagerly
registered a team for the very first Lethbridge Relay For Life 10 years ago.
The 12-hour, overnight event raises funds in support of Canadian Cancer Society research,
support services, and prevention and awareness education.
“It’s neat to see all these people get together for a common interest – to beat this, to make
cancer history,” she says.
Thompson left the inaugural Lethbridge Relay tired but exhilarated, vowing to return.
She has every year since, either as a participant or volunteer.
Walking and sharing stories with others throughout the event, especially during the Survivors’
Victory Lap, Thompson knows she’s not alone in the fight against cancer – a disease
she hopes never affects her two teenage children as it did her 26 years ago, her husband five
years ago, and her best friend two years ago.
Thompson’s husband, who was diagnosed with testicular cancer, joined her in his first Survivors’
Victory Lap three years ago.
“It was very emotional, holding hands and going through it together,” Thompson says. “I
wish we didn’t have to.”
Her best friend, who was diagnosed with breast cancer, is a steadfast member of the relay
team that Thompson started four years ago with their Lethbridge Family Services co-workers.
The team has raised over $18,000 to date.
The spirited group wears humorous costumes every year, bringing good cheer to the inspiring
event that is revered just as much for laughter as for the luminaries that line the track in
honour of those lost to cancer.
“Every day, more people are surviving something that years ago seemed to be such a death
sentence,” Thompson says. “But the loved ones we’ve lost to cancer will always be remembered.
That’s what Relay is about – to remember those that have lost and to honour those
who have won.”
More than 55 teams are registered for this year’s event, but Relay For Life Co-ordinator Keri
Griffith hopes upwards of 70 teams register to celebrate, remember and fight back at the
10th annual Lethbridge Relay For Life.
Nearly $2.2 million has been raised for the Canadian Cancer Society since Relay came to
Lethbridge in 2003. The goal is to raise $290,500 this year.
Lethbridge Relay For Life will take place June 8 from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. at Exhibition Park.
To register, make a pledge or volunteer, please visit relayforlife.ca, or contact Keri Griffith
at (403) 317-4656.
General Admission Seating
41056548
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LETHBRIDGE JOURNAL • WEEK OF MAY 11, 2012 • www.lethbridgejournal.ca