Participants in Laurier Brantford’s Relay for Life has grown 13 per cent from last year.
Co-chair of Relay for Life, Sabrina Wisson, would like to see that number rise even more for both student and faculty participation at Laurier.
Wisson says that the event does not receive any of the money raised, even if there is some left over. The event raises money towards making the lives of cancer patients, and their families, a little more bearable. The money helps pay for things like transportation to and from appointments, medication, wigs and cancer research.
Wisson is in her third year of a double major in criminology and psychology at Laurier, with a specialization in forensics. Last year she had the opportunity to learn from the former Co-chair Jerrett Putt.
“Jerrett always told us, ‘hugs and kisses don’t cure cancer, it’s unfortunately money that has to’,” said Wisson.
Wisson’s cousin is currently battling cervical cancer and, less than a month ago, her Great Grandmother was diagnosed with colon cancer.
“When something affects you more personally you use it as more of a motivation to keep pushing the event and working towards making as much money as possible,” Wisson said.
Sabrina Barko another executive member has been deeply impacted by cancer. Last April, her close family member was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Unfortunately, due to a previous heat attack, doctors are unable to operate and the cancer has spread.
“There’s other ways to get involved, especially since I can’t be home all the time and go to appointments and be there for results. I’m not seeing the good days or the bad days and being there for them,” said Barko.
The diagnosis in her family has sparked her passion to raise money for cancer and to give back not only to her family member, but the rest of the community.
Barko will deliver the Fight Back speech at the Relay for Life event this Friday, March 8th.
Laurier Brantford has currently raised approximately $16,211 of their $20,000.
If you would like to donate to Relay for Life, click here!