Light is on life teams

By Tania Martin
FIGHTING cancer one step at a time has inspired a group of Emerald people to take up the challenge of the Casey Cardinia Relay for Life.
The group known as The Curators has joined forces for the second year in a row to take part in the relay on Friday 29 February to help raise cancer awareness.
Last year The Curators surprised even themselves when they raised more than $16,000 for Cancer Council Victoria.
The Curators was formed when local residents Melanie Hall and Lana Maher joined forces to raise awareness of cancer.
Both women have parents who are battling cancer and they wanted to raise as much cash as possible.
The Casey Cardinia Relay for Life is a 24-hour team event which will run from 6pm on Friday to Saturday 1 March.
Cancer sufferers and survivors, their family and friends will spend the 24-hours walking around the track at Akoonah Park, Princes Highway, Berwick.
The highlight of the event will be the candlelight ceremony which will held at 9pm.
Hundreds of candles will be lit in honour and support of someone fighting cancer or in memory of relatives or friends lost to cancer.
Relay chairwoman Nicole Ryan said the candle tributes would line the track and continue to burn bright as they inspire teams and participants to walk through the night.
“I believe the candlelight ceremony is a chance for those touched with cancer to reflect on the past and look forward to the future where we strive towards a cancer free world,” she said.
The Curators have again pulled the team together for another relay but this year it has been done on a smaller scale.
They only have seven members this year compared to last year’s 45 but the passion for the relay is still very much evident.
Ms Maher said the relay was important to raise awareness of cancer and was also a great way to lift the spirits of both families and sufferers.
She said Emerald Barry Plant and Ferntree Gully Nissan had again got behind the team as major sponsors.
Ms Maher said the team had only raised $1000 so far but hopes to raise more over the next week.
She said anyone wishing to sponsor the team could drop donations into the Barry Plant office in Emerald.
Ms Maher said the relay was one of the most fantastic and up-lifting experiences for people and that it was an event not to be missed.
She said anyone interested in joining the team at the relay can call Lana on 0408 535 075.