Feb. 26, 2019
For Immediate Release

Brantford – Students at Wilfrid Laurier University’s Waterloo and Brantford campuses will stay up all night in the hope of creating a brighter future for those living with cancer.

Relay for Life events will take place in Brantford on March 8 and Waterloo on March 9. The annual all-night fundraisers are held across Canada, with proceeds going to the Canadian Cancer Society. Participants raise pledges and walk or run together to support the fight against cancer.

Each Relay for Life event kicks off with a “survivors’ victory lap” celebrating individuals who have survived a cancer diagnosis. The event also includes a touching luminary ceremony, with lanterns lit in remembrance of those lost to cancer. The Canadian Cancer Society says that nearly one in two Canadians may be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime.

Lillie Proksch, a fourth-year Communications student, will co-host the 12th annual Relay for Life event at Laurier’s Waterloo campus with Leah Sterczer, a fourth-year Business Administration student.

“Cancer affects every single person and I want to be able to do my part to help make sure that no one has to fear this disease,” said Proksch. “This year across Canada, post-secondary institutions are planning to raise over $1 million for cancer research and I am excited that Laurier can be a part of that legacy.”

Sabrina Wisson, a third-year Criminology student, said there is strong interest in this year’s Relay for Life event at Laurier’s Brantford campus. More than 100 participants are registered to take part, a significant increase from about 25 at this time last year.

“I want one day to live in a world where nobody has to fear cancer or fear the words, ‘You have cancer,’” said Wisson.

Combined, Laurier’s Waterloo and Brantford campuses aim to raise close to $60,000 for the Canadian Cancer Society through Relay for Life events.

Relay for Life – Brantford campus

Laurier’s Brantford Relay for Life starts at 7 p.m. on Friday, March 8 at Market Square (1 Market St., Brantford) and continues until 7 a.m. on Saturday, March 9. Opening ceremonies will take place at 6:30 p.m. on March 8, followed by the survivors’ victory lap. Music, yoga, Zumba, food and a live auction will take place throughout the night.

Visit Relay for Life for more information, to sign up or to donate.

Relay for Life – Waterloo campus

In Waterloo, Relay for Life starts at 7 p.m. on Saturday, March 9 at the Science Building (75 University Ave. W., Waterloo) and continues until 7 a.m. on Sunday, March 10. Zumba, bingo, games, trivia and chances to win prizes will take place during the event.

Visit Relay for Life for more information, to sign up or to donate.