Relay grateful

On behalf of Cancer Council Victoria, I congratulate and thank those who helped make the second annual Cranbourne-Narre Relay for Life a successful event.
In November, more than 600 local residents came together to participate in the overnight relay-style event celebrating cancer survivors, remembering loved ones lost, and encouraging the community to fight back against cancer.
Although the statistics are confronting – one in two people will be diagnosed by age 85, there is reason to celebrate.
Over the past two decades the survival rates for many common cancers has increased by more than 30 per cent.
This is largely thanks to research and prevention measures funded by Victorians through programs such as Relay for Life.
This year, Cranbourne-Narre participants are expecting to raise $67,000 which will support Cancer Council Victoria’s research and prevention programs, as well as support services for local residents specifically, the Cancer Council Helpline.
City of Casey residents can call the Helpline on 13 11 20 and discuss cancer-related questions with a registered cancer nurse.
Finally, I would like to personally thank each of the volunteer committee members, led by chairmanager Nicole Ryan, for volunteering their time and energy to ensure the event’s success.
Todd Harper,
CEO, Cancer Council Victoria.