As part of our first activity for the year, on 31 May 2008 and 1 June 2008, 12 of us-members of the C.A.T.C.H. Club, participated in the all night long 2008 Relay for Life, an overnight fundraising event organized by the National Cancer Society of Malaysia at the Bukit Jalil Stadium. The Relay For Life is an event which offers everyone in the community to come together and take part, not only to raise funds but also to join hands to create awareness of cancer.
The event kicked off with the Survivors Lap-of which the Cancer Survivors take a victory lap around the track. As we gathered together, choosing our spot and setting up our tents, we all stopped and took a moment to cheer the survivors on, as they walked along the track, to show our support in their struggle and fight against Cancer. We then joined hundreds of others, as we walked and ran along the track of the stadium, proudly carrying our banner, showing our support for the cancer patients and survivors.
We stayed up throughout the night, taking turns walking on the track, enthusiastically drinking cups and cups of Milo (What would we have done without those chillled cups of Milo...Hahaha!)and participating in a host of fun activities. One of the acitivies was the Miss Relay Pageant in which, our fellow coursemate Kenneth, together with a group of make-up artists, sportingly joined in this activity! Oh what fun it was to see him all dressed up in a beautiful turqoise gown...walking graciously, representing SEGi College Subang Jaya! Way to go, Kenneth!
One of the more touching moments would be participating in the candle lighting ceremony-the Luminaria, where little tea candles were placed in paperbags (with personal messages written on them) and it was placed along the track. The candles were lit up as the sun begin to set...and the candles were then left to burn throughout the night. The Luminaria ceremony is a tribute, in honour and in support of cancer survivors and to remember those we've lost to Cancer. For all of us, it was a touching moment as we remembered our loved ones who've we've lost to Cancer... as well as to pledge our support for all those who have survived and for those who are still fighting the disease.
All in all, this activity was a success as it turned out to be a meaningful and enjoyable activity for all of us. As we celebrated this wonderful cause together, it got us going, building the bond between us and it definitley brought us closer. And in the end, we represented the hope that those lost to cancer will never be forgotten, that those who face cancer will be supported, and that one day cancer will be eliminated.
p/s: Look out for photos...coming soon!
