With cancer cases in Canada expected to increase by 40% within the next 15 years, Donna Webb is just one of many affected by cancer, fighting to keep the number down.
Every year, thousands of Canadians spend months fundraising for the Canadian Cancer Society, and their efforts culminate at Relay For Life events across the country. The Relay is the Canadian Cancer Society’s signature fundraiser, accessible to everyone as people can participate at any age or fitness level. This year, Relay for Life in Toronto will kick off June 18th at Downsview Park.
Almost everyone is or has been affected by cancer in some capacity, and many of their stories go untold. From loved ones of survivors to the survivors themselves, each person has a unique journey shaped by cancer. We’ve partnered with the Canadian Cancer Society in support of Relay for Life, to share one of many stories.
Since losing her mother to colon cancer at the age of 12, Donna Webb has always wanted to volunteer with the Canadian Cancer Society. After being diagnosed with thyroid cancer herself in July 2011, she decided it was time to get involved and has been on the Relay For Life committee for the last three years. She continues to support the Canadian Cancer Society throughout the year, selling daffodil pins and completing her peer support training.
Her choice to be apart of such triumphant cause stems from the society’s ample emotional support, push for public policies and prevention work. The Society is the only cancer charity in Canada that does all of the following.
- The Society funds significantly more cancer research than any other charity in Canada and is the only charity that funds research into all forms of cancer.
- They provide emotional support for people with cancer and their caregivers. Last year, almost 173,000 Canadians were helped through the Society’s support services.
- The Society invests in prevention, promoting healthy living and providing cancer screenings in communities across the country. From workplace campaigns to school initiatives, the Society mobilizes Canadians to stop cancer before it starts.
- It’s advocacy for public policies helps protect Canadians from cancer-causing substances at work, at home and at play. They advocate for government programs to support Canadians living with cancer. A recent success in this area has been the improvement of the EI compassionate care benefits to 26 weeks, allowing family caregivers to take time off work in order to provide care and support to a loved one in palliative care.
For more information on how you can sign up for the relay in your region, visit Cancer.ca.
View the Vibe is proud to support the Canadian Cancer Society by being apart of it’s Media Relay for Life. We now are excited to pass the baton to Rogers Daytime Waterloo!
Will you take part in the Canadian Cancer Society’s Relay for life? Let us know in the comments below or tweet us @ViewTheVibe.