Prince George, B.C.- In just a couple of weeks, Masich Place Stadium in Prince George will be alive for the 24 hour Relay for Life, it is the major fund raising event for the Canadian Cancer Society.

 

This year marks the 20^th anniversary of the event, and its hoped people will make a choice to support the work of the Cancer Society by participating, making a pledge to a participant, or by purchasing a luminary.

 

You’ve seen the luminaries, the little paper bags that  glow with the light of a candle.

 

“There are basically four types of luminaries,” said Lindy Steele, luminary chair for the Prince George relay. “The one that most of us think about is the bag that’s full of memories – it’s full of laughter and tears and is dedicated to the person who has passed away. But we also have luminaries that are dedicated to the people who are fighting the disease right now. Those are full of hope. There are also the ones for celebration, for those who have survived the disease. And then there are the ones that are just for support. They’re not for any particular person; they’re just supporting everyone who’s going through that journey.”

 

On the night of May 12 at Masich Place Stadium, Relay For Life volunteers will line the track with the bags and then light the candles for what is called the Luminary Ceremony.  

 

Helen Dery, an 82-year-old Prince George resident whose husband, Fern, died from lung cancer 17 years ago, will be participating in her 16^th Relay For Life this year.  She  hasn’t missed a Luminary Ceremony in those 16 years “It is just so breathtaking, so emotional. If somebody hasn’t seen that, they have to see it.”

 

At $5 per luminary, they can be purchased in a variety of locations ( Canadian Cancer Society office (Suite 300—500 Victoria Street), online at www.relaybc.ca , Prince George Farmers’ Market (Third Avenue and George Street) on May 5 and at Masich Place on May 12)and all proceeds will be used for cancer prevention and research, as well as help support those touched by the disease.