ValleyBiz Story | On Friday, June 17th Cancer Survivors, family, friends and other supporters gathered at the Swan River Centennial Arena for the Canadian Cancer Society relay for life.
This is third year Swan River has hosted the event which helps to spread cancer awareness, 
Celebrate the lives of survivors, Remember those who lost their lives to cancer, and unite the community to Fight Back against cancer.
Local Talent, includin Taylor Fleming, provided entertainment throughout the evening.
The event would not be possible without the tireless effort of numerous volunteers. This year’s committee included:
Elva Iwanchuk, Terryl Iwanchuk, Gail Wagner, Sue Belanger, Pam Mahon, Ann Noble, Wendy & George Van der Walt, Danny Jersak, Harvey Bourgeois
| CELEBRATE | 2011 Survivors: |
 Survivors joined together during Opening Ceremonies.Survivors were called forwared one by one, and presented with survivor pins.
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Reita Adams Sue Belanger Jennifer Belhumeur Rose Belhumeur Robin Bjornson Betty Bresky Laura Bresky M. Peggy Bresky Gordon Cryderman Judy Doroshuk Mary Ann Friesen George Harris Milton Kern Bev Lumax Lew McClurg Dennis Medwid Edward Mydynski Barb Plumb Gwen Sakal John Schabert Elsie Senchuk Sharon Shier Natalie Sopotyk Phyllis Stevenson Helen Swaiko Anna Wagner Doug Wagner Vivian Woodley |
After the first lap, survivors were joined by family and friends.
Several RCMP Officers joined the relay to show their support.
Teams creatively showed their support.
Milton Kern – Survivor for 9 years
Gordon Cryderman – Survivor for 2 1/2 years
Frankie Cryderman – Caregiver
Anna Wagner – Survivor for 15 years
Doug Wagner – Survivor for 4 years
REMEMBER
Karen Cotton & Ella, Val Reich, Cindy Sawchuk, Sheila Sawchuk, Clarice Sawchuk
were part of the 16 member team from TD Bank. The team has participated in all of the past 3 events, but this year the cause was especially close to their heart as remembered Branch Manager Larry Hames who lost his life to cancer this year on April 21.
FIGHT BACK
Mary Ann Friesen shared her survivor story, including how she navigated her journey with exercise, faith in God, positive supporters and continuing to work. She concluded with an encouragement for the times when it seems Cancer is consuming every moment of your life –
“Hang in there” there will come a time when life will go on.
Dennis Medwid recounted the long path to diagnosis and treatment that left him frustrated, angry and depressed. His closing remarks included 3 powerful messages: “The more you do, the more you get done.”
“I don’t believe you can do it alone.”
“Cancer can be beat – so fight back and take your life back!”
In memory of those who lost their lives to cancer and as encouragement for those still in the fight, luminaries were lit at 10pm to light the path of those walking in support.