Relay For Life is a community engagement event that brings local communities together in the fight against cancer.

Throughout the 24-hour event, organisers take the time to honour cancer survivors and their carers and pay respects and celebrate the lives of loved ones who have lost their battle.

Relay For Life is family friendly, with games and activities, delicious food and entertainment throughout the entire event.  

“The heart and soul of this event is honouring those in our community who have fought cancer or cared for someone with cancer,” Kate Brett, community engagement coordinator from Cancer Council NSW, said

“At the opening ceremony, survivors wear a purple sash and carers wear a white sash, and they are invited to walk the first lap of the Relay so others can honour their fight.

“Their supporters line the track and join in after the first lap. We would like everyone in the community to know that this event is being organised by dedicated members from their own community.”

Local resident, Jess Bourke is a breast cancer survivor and devoted Relay For Life committee member.

Jess is organising the survivor and carer lap at Eurobodalla Relay for Life and would like to invite local survivors and carers to participate in the Survivor and Carer Lap.

This is the opening lap where survivors and carers walk together to empower, provide strength and encourage our community giving hope.

“I was diagnosed with breast cancer the day before my 28th birthday in October 2013,” Jess said.

“I have had a bilateral mastectomy, chemotherapy, radiation and various surgeries. It has not always been easy and most of the time it has been challenging.

“Being so young when I was diagnosed, it has impacted my life and the way I view it and I now appreciate living every day. I am thankful for so many things especially our baby Charley who Jack and I were blessed with late last year”.

In 2014, Jess organised the “I will survive” committee and fundraiser in Narooma which raised $38,000 for breast cancer awareness, research and support.

“I was overwhelmed by the amount of  support I received from not only from my husband Jack and my family, but also from the amazing local community I am blessed to be a part of,” she said.

Organisers encourage anyone who is interested in joining them for the survivor opening lap to register online via the website www.relayforlife.com.au/eurobodalla or call the Southern Cancer Council Office on 4223 0200

“With a wonderful new venue, excellent entertainment and fabulous food all we need is you,” Ms Brett said.

To register in the Relay For Life go to the website and $20 per individual and $40 per family, two adults and two children.