By LACHLAN MOORHEAD
KERRY-ANN Hetherington hadn’t participated in the Relay for Life since her older sister lost her battle with breast cancer in 2003 at the age of 34.
That all changed on the weekend when the Cranbourne East mum walked in the Casey event in memory of her sister Rachael.
“At the time she had a two-year-old daughter and battled breast cancer for six years and really battled it, there were never any positives out of it,” Kerry-Ann said, speaking at the relay.
“I think it’s actually gotten harder. Watching my children grow up without an aunty.”
But speaking at her first relay in a long time, Kerry-Ann said the event had inspired her to participate every year from now on.
“It’s a truly amazing cause and the sooner we find a cure then the better we’re all going to be,” she said.
“Next year we’ll come back bigger and better.”
More than 4300 people participated in the 24-hour relay from Friday night to Saturday night, raising more than $360,000 and counting for the Cancer Council.
Committee member Karen Ryken said the tally would continue to grow over the next month.
Describing the event as absolutely huge, involving 114 teams putting their best foot forward, Ms Ryken said she was once again overwhelmed by the community response.
People flooded the grounds at Akoonah Park on Friday, preparing for the official start and part of a moving moment during the survivors’ walk.
“We start with the oath and the first lap is always dedicated to cancer survivors,” Ms Ryken said.
“It gives carers the chance to support their people and survivors can take a breath and know they’re not alone.”
Later in the night, teams also put out paper bags with candles alongside pictures of loved ones.
Media relations officer for the event and owner of Chris Peake Real Estate Marisa Adams said this was a heartfelt time in the event.
“The candlelight ceremony in the evening is something that is a very touching moment,” she said.
Ms Ryken explained that different colour candles represented people’s battle with cancer.
“If the candles were brown, it means we’ve lost a person, and if it’s white, it is a survivor,” Ms Ryken said.
“We turn off the lights and the whole place is surrounded by candlelight.”
Also participating in the weekend’s Relay for Life were employees from Cranbourne business Highview.
The 16-member relay team raised more than $11,000 for the Cancer Council, beginning in September.
Highview team member Lisa Burgess said her group’s fundraising efforts had been “a lot of work, a true team effort, and well worth every moment”.
