SFU Relay for Life 2012: Imagine a World Without Cancer

Twelve hours of laughter, tears, celebration, remembrance and fighting all in the name of cancer took place from Friday March 23, 2012 at the Fourth Annual SFU Relay for Life! This inspiring event was hosted by hardworking full-time students, eager volunteers and members of the Canadian Cancer Society. With that being said, the amount of hours put into this event really showed when every aspect of it ran without a hitch, and there were smiles shining throughout the evening on each face as they walked the track, partook in the numerous events, sang along with the artists, and shot some hoops. All the while collectively being a part of a night dedicated entirely to celebrating cancer survivors and honouring the loved ones that haven’t survived.

Approximately every half hour you could expect something new to take place. There were magicians, the SFU Improv Club, and numerous local bands and singers. The highlight of the night was probably at 10 pm when the pie throwing auction took place alongside the head shaving. Many brave souls contributed their beautiful clean faces to a pie throwing auction where the highest bid rung in at a whopping $240. Many men and women donated their hair to cancer, or full on just shaved it to show unity and solidarity with those not lucky enough to keep their hair throughout their trials and tribulations encompassed around battling the evils of cancer.

Now, I thought a pie in the face was painful enough, but no doubt SFU Relay for Life decided to top their own entertainment this year and convince some dashing, yet VERY hairy men to wax their treasure trails, leg hair and back hair for monetary donations towards the cause. No one had ever seen such handsome men cry! But again, it was all for a good cause.

By the time 6:30 AM rolled around, the closing ceremonies kicked off, with the same energetic crowd keeping the party going. 12 hours straight and these people had not slept, had only munched on snacks, and somehow had this insane amount of energy pumping through their veins ready to run another 100 laps, all in the name of cancer!

With a grand total ringing it at approximately $30,000 raised, one can consider this event nothing but an extraordinary success! It isn’t everyday that a bunch of determined University students are able to put together and execute a smooth sailing 12 hour fundraiser.

This night was a true eye opening experience that allowed each one of us to “imagine a world where nobody dies from cancer because nobody GETS cancer. Because it is possible.” – Canadian Cancer Society.

About the Author: Zahra Premji

Her headphones in, music blasting, and of course groovin' to the beat of the day literally no matter where she is! This is how you'll find Zahra on most days, whether it be while writing papers or bungee jumping. Adventurous and spontaneous are probably the best words that describe her and her lust for travel and discovery from Australia to Africa. Zahra loves what she does because she enjoys digging up the facts and using her voice to tell the stories that may not be heard otherwise. Considering she is just about done her Major in Communications at SFU she hopes to make her dreams a reality and take the steps towards becoming a Television Broadcaster.

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