Jenny Jones, Kath Hill, Crystal Jones, Brad Goodlet and Samantha Beavan are urging the community to support the Shellharbour Relay for Life. Picture: PAUL JONES
THE Shellharbour Relay for Life committee are asking the community to join them in "kicking cancer's butt" next weekend.
Committee members Jenny Jones and Kath Hill have both urged the community to get behind the event.
The inaugural Shellharbour Relay for Life in 2012 featured the community raising more than $79,000 through the generosity and spirit of more than 500 participants and 40 teams.
The annual fund-raiser will take place on March 9-10 at the Albion Park Showground.
The event raises funds for cancer patients, carers, their family and friends within the Shellharbour City community, as well as for the work of the Cancer Council NSW.
Albion Park resident Mrs Hill is a cancer survivor.
The 74-year-old was diagnosed with throat cancer in 1989 but was given the all-clear in 1994.
She also lost her mother to cancer, while both her brothers have survived prostate cancer.
She will take part in the the survivors' walk.
"Cancer has had a major effect on my life; so many of my wonderful friends have been lost to it as well," she said.
"This event has wonderful community spirit.
"Albion Park is a community-minded place.
"I've lived there all my life. When somebody needs something, we get behind it."
Mrs Jones, owner of Danze Gallery, Albion Park Rail, encouraged the community to "work together to kick cancer's butt".
"I know only too well the effects cancer has on loved ones and the daily struggle patients face to make life-changing decisions about treatment," she said.
"As a parent, sister and friend of current cancer patients, I know that the only way to improve outcomes is to raise funds for research and support and to spread the message about leading a healthy lifestyle."
Mrs Jones' daughter Crystal will also take part in the event as a member of the Danze Gallery team.
The 19-year-old vocalist is one half of a performance duo with Albion Park guitarist Brad Goodlet.
The pair will perform Martina McBride's I'm Gonna Love You Through It, which details a woman who is supported by her husband while battling breast cancer, at the Hope Ceremony on the Saturday evening.
"We just want to raise awareness; cancer touches everyone," Crystal said.
To register a team or donate, visit the website http://relay.cancercouncil. com.au/2013/shellharbour _2013/.
