Courtesy Jenn Smith
'Tis the season to be merry, gather with friends and enjoy a good laugh over each other's Christmas sweaters.
There is a lot of celebrating going on among the HAGS Friends For Life, one of Cranbrook's longest standing Relay For Life teams. The team has been honoured with the role of Honourary Chair for the 2014 Relay For Life on May 31.
The HAGS Friends For Life has been a constant fixture at the Relay. Their first Relay was in 2006; next year will be their ninth year participating.
On the day of the Relay they are known for their flower garden of loved ones, their cozy camp set up at the corner of the track and the laughter that flows from their tent.
Like many teams they come together to support, celebrate and remember loved ones - both friends and family members. At the 2013 Relay they were recognized at the provincial level and awarded the Relay for Life Team Spirit Award in recognition of their exceptional contributions to fundraising and CCS mission integration by a team.
The HAGS Friends For Life serves as a model for other teams and embodies the spirit of Relay for Life: Celebrate, Remember, Fight Back.
Being a team for Relay is more than a one-day commitment for them. It’s about being a group of friends who feel passionate about a cause. They share their stories and they celebrate and support each other, knowing that they have played an important role in the community.
“Our team has been affected in one way or another by cancer either as survivors, or friends, family and even pets dying of cancer,” said Kim Levie.
“We hold this day in high regard to gather to support each other for a cause that effects all and give back to our community.”
This year’s Relay For Life theme is Story Time — A World Without Cancer. Help the Canadian Cancer Society write the real-life story of a world without Cancer.
As they embrace their roles as honourary chairs you will be seeing more of the “HAGS” around our community, participating in events and spreading the message and the excitement of Relay.
As part of the Relay organizing committee they are a great resource and inspiration to current and new teams. They are full of ideas and always passionate for the cause.
Congratulations to this amazing group of women, who like many in our community have been touched by cancer. They have chosen a path of friendship to stay strong together and fight back against cancer. Their dedication to the Relay and the funds that they have raised over the years have gone on to help many in our community.