Cansa Relay for Life raises half a million for a good cause

Relay for Life is an amusing, overnight team event that raises much-needed funds for Cansa to continue their services which offers help to cancer survivors and their families.

April 4, 2019

Tayla Smit 1 minute read

Team Cure Saders won the award for best dressed.

Thousands fought back against cancer at the Cansa Relay for Life at the Boksburg Stadium on March 31.

This event left those affected by the disease with hope. The teams were dressed according to an Olympic theme. After sunset, the candles were lit in luminaria bags that encircled the tracks.

Everybody gathered around to honour those who lost the battle and to support those who survived and is fighting the disease.

People supporting the event could enjoy the Zumba class in a festival-like atmosphere. Children could take part in activities that promote their health and fitness.

People could also test themselves for cancer throughout the evening.

One the organisers, Sonia Pretorius, said around 2 500 people from the East Rand supported the event.

“We are always encouraging people to get involved. This event is about empowering those who are fighting the battle of cancer,” said Pretorius.

The caregiver dog from Paws4U, Georgie, got recognised and rewarded for her excellent help. She officially retired at the event.

“Maggie and Zoe, my special two golden retrievers, are therapy dogs. They are bringing joy to many who are affected by the disease.

“People should be cautious and get themselves tested because anybody can get cancer,” said Alan Butler, who lost his wife to cancer six years ago.

A total of R510 800.45 was raised at the event and the following teams won awards:

Team Cure Saders: best dressed
Team Gwen: best flag
Team Zumba: best spirit
Team Aito Potato: most funds raised by an individual team (R70 171)
Summerfields Primary School: most funds raised by a school (R57 234)
ACSA: most funds raised by a corporate team (R100 000)
Betty Martin and Fatima Dickson walked for Osman Juna Chali, who was recently diagnosed with prostate cancer.

Paws4U therapy dogs.

Team Aito Potato raised the most funds for an individual team.

Adele Baker with Tarryn Kritzinger from Summerfields Primary School.

Adele Baker with Martie Spangenberg and Yvonne Fellix from Team Zumba, who won the Team Spirit Award.

Sonia Pretorius, Adele Baker, Jolene Wiggill, Felicia Ramalho, Mpho Shilakwe, Yolandi Jacobs, Michael Dougall and Kerry Eley, the organising committee of the Cansa Relay for Life.

Cancer survivors ready to walk at the Cansa Relay for Life 2019.

Luminaria bags were lit after sunset and everybody gathered around to honour and remember loved ones who lost the battle to cancer.

Jurie Hays and Carlene du Toit from the Boksburg Advertiser supported the event.

Team Gwen’s flag won the Best Flag Award.

The therapy dog from Paws4U, Georgie, officially retired at the event.

Alan Butler with his therapy dogs, Maggie and Zoe.