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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver, Wednesday June 11, 2008 - 19 They hugged, kissed, and got up again Continued from page 1 cancer when Ally was only three years old. At the time, Ally didn't know that her mom was sick from cancer. She thought her mom had a really bad flu. Nonetheless, she was persistent in taking care of her mom, so she could get well quickly. "She would bring me water constantly," Donna said, as she looked at her daughter with bright and proud eyes. "After you've had chemo you need to drink a lot of water, so you can get it out of your body. Ally knew it was good for me, and that's why she would bring me water. Sometimes you get so sick that you don't even want it, but you can't say no to a three year old offering you water," she added. Support was also present in the spirit of all 162 teams that took part in the Relay to Celebrate. Remember. Fight Back -- this year's theme. Some teams, like Bill's Bells, dressed in crazy and, sometimes, humorous costumes. This team of eight dressed in disco outfits complete with Afro wigs and shiny silver outfits. One member even boasted long, thick gold eyelashes to go with the theme. Their disco outfits could be seen from afar. "We dress up differently every year because sometimes between crying and walking and remembering, you need an uplifting sight. Something to cheer you up," said Fran Finley. Finley and the rest of Bill's Bells took part in the event in memory of Bill Fox, a friend's father who died of cancer. They won the Best Team Spirit award. Others, like the Tiara Tarts, dressed in tacky gowns for fun, while some wore outfits with witty, yet powerful messages. Liz' Bosom Buddies was one such team. Last year, the dream team wore pink bras on top of their shirts to show their support for team member, Elizabeth Walton, who won the battle with breast cancer once, and will, hopefully, do so again. This year, however, they replaced the bras with pink handprints displayed on either side of the T-shirts. `Hands On Support' was written underneath the prints. "Dressing up draws everybody closer. It makes you realize that you're not alone, and it's just great fun," said Walton, as she CHRIS KORNACKI / OAKVILLE BEAVER GLOW OF HOPE: Survivors and Relay for Life participants circled the track, lit by luminaries, at Appleby College Friday night during the fundraiser. greeted her two grandchildren with warm and loving hugs and kisses. Volunteer co-chairs Don Adams and Lorelei Jenkins said that the relay committee has been able to meet challenges through the generosity of local sponsors. They also thanked the student volunteers "They are the participants, volunteers and possibly the future steering committee," of the event, said Jenkins. Appleby College, principal Guy McLean, said more than 100 students and staff members have helped with the event. "The students really prepare for the event, and try to help in any way possible," he said. And according to all regular participants, Relay for Life is evolving into a bigger and more organized event year by year. Rob Burton, mayor of Oakville, recognized this growth. We're moving "onward and upward to victory," he said, adding that Appleby College is "getting good at it." After the opening remarks and victory lap, the 1,500 people present at the relay had the opportunity to get massage therapy and listen to the bands playing on the stage. Those who decided to venture inside the college's arena were able to look at what the marketplace, silent auction and Relay Retail had to offer. Colleen Lowe, from team Shaynanigans, took time away from her team, to sell organic soap and raise money for her group. This is Lowe's first Relay for Life. She is doing it for Shayna, but she is a cancer survivor herself. "It tears your heart to know that a little girl has to endure this sort of pain," said Lowe, referring to Shayna's battle with leukemia. "I'm doing this for her and everyone else who's enduring or endured this pain." Meanwhile, those outside were coping with the humidity and heat with light-hearted smiles, knowing that they had gathered for a good cause. The teams sat together and they had their dinner that was provided by Longo's. They talked and walked. They laughed and cried. They reflected about the past and thought about the future. They had fun. But, at around 9 p.m., when the sun lowered in the sky a more serious, yet serene feeling swept over the college grounds. Those who had lost loved ones from cancer slowly started to light the luminaries that decorated either sides of the track. Some wrote messages and poems on the white bags. A luminary dedicated "In Memory of Lori Mom Archer" read, "You're our inspiration. We love and miss you." It was signed "Family." People sat in front of the luminaries, their eyes burning with tears and memories. They hugged each other, they kissed and they wiped tears. Then they got moving, supported by those who love them, and walked the track, once again, with a determination that this disease will be beaten. When you were younger your parents couldn't help but worry about you. Now it's your turn. Sure, they're still active, but you can't help but worry just a little ­ especially when you're away. We can help. Vacation stay packages at our award winning residences include furnished accommodations, meals, activities and our exclusive LivingWell program that will help them remember their stay with us even after they're back home. Spring Re een Sale scr Aluminum or Fibreglass Mesh Installed in our shop Call Jill Voytek at (905) 469-3232 Margaret at (905) for all the details or to book a the details or to book a tour. Bring your parents; we may parents; we may even invite you to lunch. to lunch. SALE HELD OVER $ 37 Any Size! 50 + taxes Due to Popular Pet Resistant Screen Installed in our shop Demand Any Size! $ 00 75 + taxes 24 Hour Turnaround (except on Saturdays - pick up will be on Monday) · Roller, Corner & Handle replacement are extra. Sale ends June 15, 2008. Give your parents a vacation and take the worry out of yours OAKVILLE TM 1459 Nottinghill Gate, just south of Upper Middle, west of Dorval pp www.delmanor.com 550 Bronte Rd., Oakville 905.827.2951 · RICHMOND HILL