Each year thousands of Queenslanders unite in the fight and take part in Relay For Life events across the State with one goal in mind – to give hope for a cancer free future.
This week, Cancer Council Queensland is challenging communities to lace up and team up once again to help beat cancer.
Relay For Life season two has officially launched – with 30 events set to be held across the state from July to November, right from Weipa down to Warwick.
Relay For Life is an 18-hour event involving teams of up to 15 people keeping a baton moving in a relay-style walk or run overnight, all in an effort to support more than 25,000 Queenslanders diagnosed with cancer each year.
Cancer Council Queensland spokesperson Katie Clift encouraged locals to rally together and register a team today.
“We need your help to make a difference and give much-needed hope to the one in two Queenslanders diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime,” Ms Clift said.
“More Queenslanders are beating the disease as a result of improvements in cancer prevention, screening and treatment – and we hope to change even more lives for the better.
“The theme for Relay For Life is ‘hope lives here’. Hope lives in all of us and together we can create hope for cancer survivors, hope for those who have lost loved ones, and hope for a cancer free future.”
Last year more than 39,000 Queenslanders walked to give hope at Relay For Life events across the State this year – raising more than $4 million for the cause.
In 2015, Cancer Council Queensland hopes to raise more than $5 million for its work in cancer research, education, and local support services.
“Each donation, no matter how big or small, helps fund our work and in turn, provides vital support and care for Queenslanders diagnosed with cancer,” Ms Clift said.
“Last year as a result of community fundraising we were able to support more than 17,000 locals through our 13 11 20 support line, provide 2989 wig and turbans to cancer patients, accommodate more than 4600 patients in a regional accommodation lodge and more.
“You might not think that walking the track for 18 hours or donating a few dollars makes a big difference – but it does. To those diagnosed with cancer, you support means the world.”
Relay For Life first began in America in 1985 when colorectal surgeon Dr Gordy Klatt walked for 24 hours to raise funds for cancer research.
Since then, Relay For Life has become one of the largest fundraising events for cancer in the world and is now held in every State and territory of Australia.
“Relay is an awesome, family friendly event for people of all ages and fitness levels. All you need to do is register a team, fundraise, come pitch a tent and enjoy,” Ms Clift said.
Anyone wanting to find out more about Relay For Life, find a local event, or register a team can visit www.relayforlife.org.au or phone the Fundraising Hotline 1300 656 585.
Cancer Council Queensland is an independent, community-based charity. The achievements of which are made possible by the generosity of Queenslanders.
For more about Cancer Council Queensland, visit www.cancerqld.org.au or call 13 11 20.
For more information, contact:
Laura McKoy, Senior Media Advisor, Cancer Council Queensland
For interviews, please contact:
Katie Clift, Executive Manager, Media and Spokesperson, Cancer Council Queensland
Ph: (07) 3634 5372 or 0409 001 171