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The Times Advocate, 2008-04-16, Page 16Crossroads 16 Times -Advocate Wednesday, April 16, 2008 South Huron DHS prepares for cancer fundraiser By Scott Nixon TIMES -ADVOCATE STAFF EXETER — South Huron District High School (SHDHS) kicked off the campaign for its fifth annual Relay for Life fundrais- er with an information assembly last week. The 12 -hour overnight fundraiser, scheduled this year for June 13-14, is billed as a non-competitive relay that involves teams of about 10 people who will take turns walking or running around the high school track. The Relay starts June 13 with the 'Survivors Victory Lap' at 7 p.m. and runs until 7 a.m. June 14. One highlight will be the 'Luminary Ceremony,' which will take place at dusk and involve the lighting of candles around the track to pay tribute to those who have been lost to cancer. The event raised about $50,000 last year for the Canadian Cancer Society; organizers hope to raise another $50,000 this year. SHDHS student chairperson of Relay for Life Toni MacPherson said the theme for this year's Relay is "Cancer affects the world." As a result games, activities and music played throughout the night will represent those from around the world. On hand at last week's school assembly was Lorna Larsen, whose daughter Shanna Larsen died at the age of 24 in 2005 of breast cancer. Shanna's father, Rob Larsen, is a former vice-principal of SHDHS. Shanna, a graduate of the University of Western Ontario, was planning to go to teachers' college when she was diagnosed with cancer. Unfortunately, her cancer was not detected early and it spread quickly, Lorna said — Shanna died just four months after her diagnosis. Shanna's mom described her as opti- mistic and someone who had a kind heart and a gentle spirit. "She loved working with kids," Lorna said after showing South Huron students a presentation featuring photos of her daughter. "Her goal was to help kids reach their potential and achieve their dreams." Lorna spoke of the formation of 'Team Annual fundraiser — South Huron District High School kicked off its annual Relay for Life campaign with an information assembly last week.The annual cancer fundraiser takes place at the school June 13-14. Pictured above are Relay for Life committee members. In front from left are Breanne Baird,Toni MacPherson, Cindy Regier, Lauren Haberer and Megan Pavkeje; in the middle from left are Hilary Duenk, Carrington Regan and Leanne Hoffman, while standing in the back from left are Lorna Larsen,Tracy McLennan, Danielle Daters, Kristy Pavkeje, Stacey Park, Carrie Powe, Robin McKnight and Kelsey Haberer. (photos/Scott Nixon) Shan,' a project that raises money for can- cer research and increases awareness about detecting the early signs and risk factors associated with cancer. Lorna encouraged students to take care of them- selves and visit a health professional if they have any symptoms. Lorna said cancer for young people is random and sporadic — Shanna didn't have any of the risk factors associated with breast cancer, other than being born in North America. The SHDHS Relay for Life is an alcohol, drug, tobacco and pet -free event. The Relay is open to the community and all "Give a Little Bit" — Emmett O'Reilly, left, and Travis Jaques perform Supertramp's "Give a Little Bit" during an assembly at South Huron District High School last week to launch the school's annual Relay for Life cancer fundraiser, which will take place June 13-14. Registration forms can be found at www.shdhs.ca money raised will go to the Canadian Cancer Society. Facts From www. teamshan. ca:: • over 30 young women (15-29) are diagnosed with breast cancer annually in Ontario; • breast cancer does not always start with a breast lump; • breast cancer can spread, primarily to the bones, liver, lungs and brain; • breast cancer in young women is often very aggressive; • early detection saves lives. Risk factors for breast cancer include being born in North America or Northern Europe, belonging to a higher socio-eco- nomic class, early onset of menstruation (before age 12), use of birth control pills, physical inactivity, smoking tobacco, drinking alcohol, unhealthy weight and family history. Registration forms can be found online at www.shdhs.ca. For more information about Shanna's story, visit www. teamshan. ca Top 10 fundraising tips Fundraising can sometimes feel a little overwhelming Provided by the Ontario Community Newspapers Association, here are some creative tips and tricks to help you raise as much as possible for the Canadian Cancer Society Relay For Life: • Set a personal goal; the average Relay For Life partici- pant raises $225 — challenge yourself to beat that total. Write it down and post it where you'll see it . • Tell your personal story when asking for pledges to appeal to people's compassion and empower you to keep going. • Approach people from every aspect of your life: fami- ly, friends, colleagues and neighbours. • Ask your employer to match the amount of money you raise. • Get creative — give every- one who pledges you an inex- pensive, handmade thank you card or gift. • Personalize your online Relay For Life pledge page and update it regularly. • Create a "Facebook" page so everyone can watch your progress and be inspired to pledge you (or join your team!); provide a link to www.cancer.ca/relay. • Create a little friendly co petition between your team members; give a prize to the person who raises the most money. • Carry a picture of the per- son for whom you are "Relaying" and post it on "Facebook" or your online pledge page, and show it to people when you're asking for pledges in person. • When asking for pledges, have a success story that you can talk about. For example, off someone you know who has benefited from cancer research or a community ser- vice thanks to the Canadian Cancer Society and fundraisers like Relay For Life — this will help demonstrate where the money goes and how it makes a difference.