Mosselbay gives cancer a knock out
Mosselbay– The residents of Mosselbay supported this year’s CANSA Relay For Life with over 600 CANSA Relay team members and community members present. The eighth event was filled with fun, games and activities to keep everyone awake throughout the night and in the spirit of celebrating life.
The survivors were treated to snacks, refreshments and special cupcakes at the survivors’ function. The received a survivor pin and a beautiful coffee mug hamper with a rusk, sachet of coffee and a crochet cup as a drip mat.
The Deputy Mayor gave a speech at the opening encouraging the CANSA Relayers to keep on being part of such a phenomenal movement in the area; quoting ‘Jake Baily YouTube Clip’, he set the overall atmosphere of thankfulness and support.
The Survivors’ Lap started with a very moving song as the cancer survivors walked around the track whilst been applauded by the community members. The feeling of honour was evident and the survivors were excited about the support that the crowd showed.
The Caregivers’ Lap followed soon afterwards and they were also applauded and praised as they walked around the track while raising the caregivers’ banner with joy and pride.
During the Luminaria Ceremony the survivors were asked to stand behind their Luminaria bags and lit their candles while a poem was read. The song by Daniel Baron, Lions Heart, roared throughout the venue in this touching ceremony. Everyone was invited to walk a silent lap; taking time to reflect on the lives lost over the past few years to the fight against cancer; and to also stand in solidarity with those who were still currently receiving treatment.
This year, the Fight Back Ceremony brought a very interesting and fresh appeal. A video ‘Finish the Fight’ from the American Cancer Society was presented. All of the participants had to line up and were taught a dance while boxing cancer. It was a fun and thrilling session for all of the CANSA Relay teams and encouraged fun team spirit and the need to take a stand in support of others. The community were encouraged to sign up for the My School card and nominate CANSA as the beneficiary. A fun lucky draw took placer where the lucky winner received a R500 Woolworths voucher.
Music played while the sun was rising to mark the Closing Ceremony, as the participants stood together and said a prayer. All teams were acknowledged for their team spirit, mission delivery, and funds and awareness raised.
