St. Mary’s students, staff aim to raise $70,000 for cancer research
Eager students and staff filled the track at St. Mary’s High School in Kitchener on Friday.
The Relay for Life run collects donations for cancer research.
St. Mary’s is aiming to raise $70,000 this year to support the Canadian Cancer Society.
Participants travelled around the track to symbolize the perseverance and action needed to change the future of cancer.
Organizer Shawna Kropf said it’s amazing to see the number of students participating and wants to celebrate their passion for the cause.
"I think cancer by itself is so scary, and I think that, for our students, we just want to remind them that when you come together and support each other, hope is there, and even when something feels scary like a cancer diagnosis, people are there to support you, that you’re not alone and we really want to teach our children and our students to advocate, and they can create change," Kropf said.
Relay for Life is an annual event that has been held in Canada since 1999.
PARTICIPANTS SPEAK OUT
Kevin Barratta said it’s been an emotional day. He was diagnosed with brain cancer but one year later, he is happily walking alongside other cancer survivors, with his family close behind.
“Quickly got diagnosed to see if we could get an MRI, CT scan to see the diagnosis. And sure enough, quick enough, the diagnosis said it was cancerous,” Barratta said.
His advice for others: “Don’t take life for granted do what you need to do that’s it,” he said.
Many who took part said the cause hits close to home.
“My grandma was diagnosed with cancer she unfortunately didn’t make it but I do this for her and for my family who has been so supportive for her,” said Nicole Godinez, a participant.
“My grandma is actually here today and she beat cancer twice she beat uterine cancer and she also beat lung cancer and it’s just so great to have her here for this event raising money to support a cause that’s deep to our hearts and to our family and it’s a great cause,” said another participant.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING King Charles' cancer treatment progressing well, says Buckingham Palace
King Charles III’s doctors are 'sufficiently pleased' with his cancer treatment and he is expected to return to public-facing duties, Buckingham Palace announced on Friday.
BREAKING Orca calf that was trapped in B.C. lagoon for weeks swims free
An orca whale calf that has been stranded in a B.C. lagoon for weeks after her pregnant mother died swam out on her own early Friday morning.
'Unacceptable': Trudeau reacts after AFN chief says headdress taken from plane cabin
After the Assembly of First Nations' national chief said her headdress was taken from an airplane cabin this week, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called the incident 'unacceptable' and a 'mistake' on the part of Air Canada.
DEVELOPING Bird flu outbreaks: WHO weighs in on public health risk
The current overall public health risk posed by the H5N1 bird flu virus is low, the World Health Organization said on Friday, but urged countries to stay alert for cases of animal-to-human transmission.
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
Regina police officer injured after being accidentally shot by fellow officer's gun
An investigation is underway after a Regina police officer was accidentally shot by a fellow officer’s gun during the search of a house early Friday morning.
From faulty kids' cribs to flammable kids' bathrobes, here are the recalls of the week
Health Canada issued recalls for various items this week, including kids’ bathrobes, cribs and henna cones.
Taylor Swift dons Montreal designer's dress in 'Fortnight' video
A pair of Montreal designers' work has now been viewed over 41 million times. Taylor Swift dons a Victorian throwback black gown in her latest music video, 'Fortnight', designed by UNTTLD due Simon Belanger and Jose Manuel Saint-Jacques.
Island near Mull of Kintyre for sale for US$3.1 million
An idyllic 453-acre private island is up for sale off the west coast of Scotland and it comes with sandy beaches, puffins galore, seven houses, a pub, a helipad and a flock of black-faced sheep.