Honourary Chair Jim VanderPloeg and Relay Team Development  leader Trevor Patenaude display an original Romp ‘n Stomp T-shirt

Prince George, B.C. – The Canadian Cancer Society, British  Columbia and Yukon  branch, is going back to its roots  in planning  its 20th Anniversary Relay for Life.

Jim VanderPloeg has been named the Honourary Chair for the  special anniversary  of the annual event, which is set for the 12th and 13th of May .

He was instrumental in stqarting the first event, which was originally called the "Romp ‘n Stomp and was  meant for wheels, not joggers or walkers.   He was inspired to have such a fundraising event after being "blolwn away" by the support and level of care his ill father received during his battle with cancer.

That first event had 6 teams and Jim says they beleived they would really have  accomplished someting if the event  could grow to 20  teams.  Last year, there were 121 teams registered,  for a total of 849 participants. 

So far this year,  the number of registrations for  teams  is at the 97 mark,  12 more than the registrations at the same time last year.

While many communities throughout B.C. hold a Relay for Life event, Prince George is the only community where the event  is spread  over 24 hours.

Over the course of those 24 hours, participants will celebrate survivors, remembers loved ones and mobilize communities.

The money raised will be invested in cancer research to save lives; deliver information and  support to people living with cancer and cancer prevention initiatives
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At right,  cancer survivors at the  2010 Relay for Life ( photo courtesy  Canadian Cancer Society)