Maxville ON – Supporters came out in the hundreds for a cause that has touched so many in Eastern Ontario. The Canadian Cancer Society Relay for life held its annual event Friday evening in Maxville. Highlights included a very touching survivor march and entertainment that featured a number of local entertainers. Once it was dark, the lights went out for an emotional procession led by a pipe and drum band. The atmosphere was charged with hope and remembrance as participants celebrated the survivors or payed tribute to the memory of their loved ones. The route was ringed by 100s of flickering luminaries that represented loved ones inflicted by cancer. With the overwhelming support of many regional organizations, businesses and individuals, close to $500, 000 was raised at the event.
Rejean Menard, one of the brave cancer survivors walking the track at the Maxville fairgrounds on Friday night.
Rejean Menard, was diagnosed with pleural malignant mesothelioma, not long after his retirement in June 2008 from Morbern Inc., in Cornwall. This aggressive cancer is usually associated with exposure to asbestos and attacks the tissue that surrounds the lungs. After doctors at the Ottawa General Hospital, Cancer Clinic, determined an operation to remove the cancerous tissue was not possible, Rejean underwent extensive chemotherapy and radiation treatments. Menard had this to say about the event:
I have been coming back to this event for about five or six years and I just can’t believe the feeling of caring and support from people in our area. It is very impressive to see people marching surrounded by the hundreds of candles that line the track. It is very emotional for lots of people. The cancer society really does a lot of good for those people like me who are having to go for cancer treatments.
For information or to help out the Canadian Cancer Society, visit them online at: http://www.cancer.ca/
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VS9yH_oim1Q
To Whom it may concern, I was very pleased to see this great caption of relay for life. Its wonderful to see all the support for our survivors & loved one that have past on. It just gets better & better every year. yours truly, cornwall supporter