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A time to celebrate, remember, and fight back By Nathan Howes SPECIAL TO THE BEAVER On May 31, Oakville will fight back against cancer in the annual Relay For Life for the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS). Relay For Life is a non-competitive, 12-hour overnight fundraiser that brings communities together to celebrate life and fight cancer. A kickoff event was held at Town Hall last week to raise awareness and register participants. "Relay (For Life) is the one event where we can honour survivors and their caregivers. This year we (also) want to honour drivers who are taking clients every day for treatment," said Sharon Burns, Canadian Cancer Society, Halton Unit manager. "We couldn't do the work we do without volunteers and without people in the relay." Burns spoke of the importance of its 136 volunteer drivers in Halton, noting the organization receives calls regularly from those appreciative of the "invaluable service." "It's about someone there to care for them when often the person (doesn't) feel like driving (and) don't know what they're going to go through the day they're at the hospital," said Burns. "We're very happy we can offer this transportation service." John Van Atter has been a volunteer driver for several years. "I've enjoyed driving (for) most of my life and interacting with other people. I thought it might be a (good) idea, although I had some reservations," said Van Atter. "Being a fairly upbeat person, I wasn't sure I could handle the despair of the patients." But his reservations proved untrue, he said, adding he's never met such a positive group of passengers. "I don't call them patients anymore, I call them my passengers. Patients are sick, these people are not. They're fighting something, (which) is really quite impressive," said Van Atter. "I get thanked every time I drive (them), whether the person says thanks or not." Dan Dumont, a cancer researcher at Sunnybrook Health A colonoscopy in 2005 revealed another tumour, which went into remission before reappearing in 2010, he said. "I've had colleagues and friends who have gone through similar things. I was fortunate enough to be a scientist. I was able to sit in my bed with my laptop and work," said Dumont, through tears. Being a cancer researcher has provided Dumont with knowledge and access to treatments of the disease, which he referred to as a "double-edged sword." "When I found out what I have, I didn't read the stats because the stats just give you percentages," said Dumont, who is entering his fourth relay this year. During the event, teams of 10 to 15 people will gather with cancer survivors at Appleby College and take turns walking laps all night. Each team keeps at least one member on the track at all times. Each relay includes a survivors' victory lap, a fight back ceremony and a luminary ceremony. The latter is held at dusk to honour cancer survivors and remember loved ones who've lost their 3 · Wednesday, February 27, 2013 OAKVILLE BEAVER · www.insideHALTON.com Dan Dumont Sciences Centre, is a three-time cancer survivor. Diagnosed in 1996 with lymphoma, he said the lesson he's learned is to listen to your body. "I was getting night sweats and everything else. I went in (to the hospital) and they found a tumour in my arm," said Dumont. battle with the disease. "Lots of people are there because they've lost a loved one. You go with somebody who you can talk to that's been through it," said Shelley Frank, Oakville Relay For Life committee chair. "I think (it's) important you have that in the relay." Relay For Life is held in 20 countries worldwide, including more than 500 communities across Canada. More than 17,000 Canadian teams raised $51 million in 2012. "If you've been to Relay, you know it grabs you. It gives people a lot of hope because (cancer) is not a nice thing to go through. It can be very overwhelming because you're feeling like you're the only one who's experienced it," said Burns. "All of your contributions make us successful to help the people that need that service." Oakville's relay takes place from 7 p.m. ­ 7 a.m. on Friday, May 31 at Appleby College, 540 Lakeshore Rd. W. Each participant must raise a minimum of $100. To register or for more information, visit www. relayforlife.ca/oakville. WINTER SALE ON NOW! OF INDOOR & OUTDOOR FURNITURE VISIT OUR 15,000 SQ. FT. SHOWROOM SIX MISTAKES RETIREES MAKE WITH THEIR FINANCES For investors over age 50 SEMINAR DATES Wed, March 20th: 10am, 2pm, 7pm Fri, March 22nd: 10am LOCATION Various sizes and colours · Patio Furniture · Gazebos · Awnings · Patio Umbrellas · Bedroom · Dining · Bar Stools · Office Chairs · Sofas · Home Theatre Seating DESTINATION FURNITURE OPEN EVERY DAY! 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