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Local Optometrist joins national Relay for Life Dream Team

Inaugural group has goal of raising $1 million for Canadian Cancer Society
45051cranbrookdailyDr.MarkLanger
Dr. Mark Langer

For the Townsman

A Cranbrook professional has joined some prominent company as B.C.'s newest member to the Canadian Cancer tional Relay For Life Dream Team.

A press release from the Canadian Cancer Society said Dr. Mark Langer, who works at Iris in Cranbrook, is one of up to 10 individuals from around the province who are hand-selected to join this Canada-wide team.

The Dream Team concept originated in Nova Scotia with the aim of bringing community and business leaders together with one common goal: fighting cancer. Each leader on the team commits to raising $10,000 to support Relay For Life. For this first-ever National Dream Team, each of the ten provinces is looking to enlist 10 members to commit to this fundraising goal. That gives this project the ambitious goal of $1 million.

Any money raised by Dr. Langer will aid the Canadian Cancer Society in its mission to eradicate cancer and enhance the lives of those living with the disease.

"I believe that helping those in need is the most rewarding way to spend your time; in giving back to our communities we're adding to the foundation of a better future for our families, our businesses, our communities and beyond," Dr Langer says.

"I strive to help out where I can, and — having lost a brother to cancer — I'm very excited to be a part of the Relay For Life team as we aim to contribute as much as possible to help fund life-saving research."

With his deep personal connection to brain cancer, Mark will take part in a partnership between the Society and Brain Canada — all donations to his campaign will be designated for brain cancer research and will be matched dollar-for-dollar by Brain Canada. Through this partnership, the Society is able to leverage matching funds from Brain Canada through the Canada Brain Research Fund, a public-private partnership established by the Government of Canada."Rather than just ask for donations I thought hosting an event, would be a lot more fun and give me the chance to interact, raise awareness and fundraise at the same time," Langer said. "Hosting the Guys & Dolls Speakeasy was a great experience and we're thrilled to have raised $6,320. The support from the community and the generosity of those who attended the event has taken me to over 50 per cent to my fundraising goal.

"I've already been asked if this will be an annual event, stay tuned!

Lori Stevenson, Team Lead, Community Giving for the Canadian Cancer Society, says Dream Team members share a common desire to raise money for cancer research, prevention and support programs.

"We are thrilled to have Mark as a member of our National Dream Team," Stevenson said. "Even more exciting is the fact that Mark is a new supporter of the Society who has joined the Relay For Life Dream Team to increase awareness of how cancer impacts us all."

Each year, Relay For Life brings together more than 160,000 people across Canada to celebrate the lives of those who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost and empower individuals and communities to fight back against cancer. In 2014 in BC and Yukon alone, Relay For Life raised more than $3.5 million.

The Canadian Cancer Society wants to thank  Andre's Electronic Experts, Bohemian Spirits, Bridge Interiors, B104 & The Drive, Culligans, Gipman Millwork, Heather Smith, Jim Cameron, Kin Club of Cranbrook, KJubinville Photography – Kristin Jubinville, Lona Williams and Associates, Maui Jim Sunglasses, Mary Ann and Ron Jenkins of Investors group, Cranbrook Mitsubishi, Sandor Rentals, Save on Foods and Vanessa Dickson with Sun Life Financial and all the volunteers, the Speakeasy could not have happened without you!

Donations to Dr. Langer can be made by visiting relayforlife.ca/dreamteam.