Cancer survivors walk for life
BY SARAH MOYES
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Julie Meagher values each and every day.
She believes it's something everyone should do, whether they have a disease or not.
"People are always planning ahead. They don’t stop to smell the roses."
The Remuera resident is about to take part in the Cancer Society’s Relay for Life to raise money and awareness of one of New Zealand’s biggest killers.
Mrs Meagher’s first experience with cancer was in 1989 when melanoma was discovered and removed from her arm.
In 1997 more melanoma was cut out, and by 2005 the cancer had spread into her lymph nodes.
"It’s a silent mover."
Since then she’s had a number of operations and is now on a vaccine treatment from the Sydney Melanoma Centre.
"It’s been tough. Your life changes," she says.
Relay For Life is an overnight team event to help raise money for the cancer society. Eighty teams of 10 or more will take part in a walk or run relay. The aim is to keep a teammate on the track at all times.
Mrs Meagher will join cancer survivors from across Auckland, for the fourth year in a row, to walk the opening lap of the event on Saturday .
A sea of yellow shirts will flood the running track at Mt Smart Stadium as cancer survivors unite.
"It’s quite emotional. Some people I walked with last year aren’t here this year."
An oncologist started Relay for Life in 1985 to raise funds for the American Cancer Society. It began in New Zealand in 2001.
It will be held in 16 locations throughout the country, two of those being in Auckland – Mt Smart Stadium this Saturday and Sunday and at the Millennium Institute of Sport in Mairangi Bay from February 27 to 28.
"It’s about fundraising and having fun. It’s a good time to remember those who have passed, and it’s also good for the survivors," she says.
Those lost to cancer are remembered during a dusk ceremony where candles are lit and messages left in memory of loved ones.
Depending on her energy levels Mrs Meagher hopes to stay for the entire event, from 3.45pm on Saturday to 10am on Sunday.
The Cancer Society welcomes cancer survivors and their families to come along for the opening lap on Saturday. Contact Cancer Society Auckland on 308-0240 or visit www.relayforlife.org.nz.
- © Fairfax NZ News
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