Hope, Inspiration, Community — Relay for Life at Metro Universities

Written by Diana Isabel Torres Goni

Image from Metro Uni Relay for Life

“To me, Relay means hope. It is amazing to see all the individuals at the event who have committed themselves to support this cause,” Caitlin MacPhail, co-chair of the organizing committee for the Relay for Life at Metro Universities, has supported Relay for Life from a very young age and wanted to continue on once she came to Halifax. “This event is a symbol of hope for a future without cancer and [it] is inspiring to see how much change can be made when people come together for a cause,” she writes. 

But exactly what is Relay for Life? Well, like it’s name states, it’s a relay— participating teams have members take turns walking around a track in honour of the fight against cancer. The 6-hour event, however, is not limited to the walking path; according to Caitlin, the festival-like fundraiser includes games and food, offering an uplifting, positive, and fun atmosphere. 

Backed up by the Canadian Cancer Society, and held worldwide, Relay for Life fundraises money for cancer treatments and research. The funds raised through Relay for Life at Metro Universities go to the CCS to fund, among other things, The Lodge that Gives—a Haligonian initiative that supports cancer patients undergoing treatment by offering them a place to stay, nutritious meals and engaging activities.

Specifically, Caitlin is involved in Relay for Life at Metro Universities, a Relay for

Life Youth event, which is organized by a committee of students from Saint

Mary’s, Dalhousie, and Mount Saint Vincent. The event, however, garners support from high school and university students alike. While the Relay for Life at Metro Universities is aimed at university students, the organizers are hoping members of all ages and communities will join. “Our goal is to hold an event that brings together university students around Halifax [for] a cause that everyone is in some way connected to,” states Caitlin.

In 2019, the first Metro Relay for Life raised $23, 000 alone and the organizers have set the goal for this year at $40,000. They will need all the help they can get! Start a team of your own and register for the event, which will take place on March 21st, and get started on fundraising money for the cause. 

The Relay for Life event is surely a time to gather with the community and enjoy each other’s company; however, it is also an opportunity to honour those who have lost the fight against cancer and celebrate those who have survived. Before the event kicks off, participants gather to honour survivors during the Luminary Ceremony “[f]or about half an hour, the lights in the room are turned down, and the luminaries surrounding the track are lit, as we take time to honour those whose lives have been directly impacted by cancer” shares Caitlin. The light display is followed by people sharing their stories about how cancer has changed their lives, “It’s nice to take time out of our busy days and slow down for a minute to think of others.”

“Every dollar raised will make a difference in someone’s life, and Relay for Life is a great way to fundraise while having fun doing so!” is Caitlin’s message to all. If you want to join in the fight against cancer through Relay for Life at Metro Universities, you can register here, follow @metrounirelay (IG and FB) and @metrounirelay20 for all updates, and reach out to  metrounirelay@gmail.com with any questions. The Relay will take place at the Halifax Forum Multipurpose Centre on March 21st from 6pm-12am.

*Correction: An earlier version of this article misstated the date.