The first major step towards the 2010 Relay for Life has officially been taken.
The Estevan organizing committee held the annual Relay Launch Saturday with a walk from the Canada Post office to the Days Inn where a short program was held.
Over 60 people were on hand to hear that a fundraising goal of $185,660 has been set for the 2010 relay, which will be held on June 12 at the Estevan Comprehensive School track. The 2009 relay raised $170,000.
"We are challenging Estevan and the surrounding communities to get involved, celebrate, remember and fight back," said event co-chair Kalina Barlow who added they are hoping to attract 45 teams, 150 survivors and 250 volunteers for this year's Relay.
The highlight of the program was a speech from this year's honourary chairman Del Block.
A cancer survivor himself, Block said when he was initially approached by Carol Cundall, who was the honourary chairwoman for the 2009 relay, he turned her down but was won over by her persistence.
"She kept on me and the more I thought about it, I knew it was something I should do and something I had to do," said Block, the longtime member of the Estevan Police Service who was named chief in March 2009.
Block said his cancer journey began in 1996 when he was told by his doctor that he had cancer. He said that news began an emotional rollercoaster that he hopes he will never have to experience again.
"At first the shock is overwhelming, then comes fears of the unknown. I will never forget having to tell my three daughters I have cancer," he said.
"With time I learned to cope by doing research and talking with other people, especially those with the same disease."
After getting through his initial battle, Block became ill again in 1999 and was hospitalized in Regina for 16 weeks. Although he admitted there were times he didn't think he would make it, Block was able to pull through.
Unfortunately for him, cancer reared its ugly head again in May 2009 when he became instantly ill within just three days.
"This time I was placed on chemo within one week of becoming ill. The treatments lasted until the end of October I responded well, however at the same time I know it is just a matter of time before I will have to go back and repeat the treatments."
Block added that he has heard all the negative comments about the Saskatchewan health care system, but has nothing but positive things to say about his experiences.
"The staff at the Allan Blair Cancer Clinic are so nice and so helpful that I actually look forward to going back for treatments and for visits. I know that sounds unbelievable, but it's true. The people that have been there will probably agree with that."
If he could use his time as honourary chairman to send one message, Block said he would like to stress the importance of getting regular check-ups, the earlier the better.
"I have talked to so many men and women who have refused to go whether it's because of fear or with men I find it's being macho. But early detection will almost certainly increase your chances of survival," he said.
"So I encourage you, your family and your friends to get in and get checked."
Event sponsor Turnbull Redi-Mix was also on hand for Saturday's program. Heather Turnbull said cancer has touched many people in their lives and they are proud to sponsor the relay in their memory.
"The disease effects everyone around the person battling the disease," said Turnbull. "It effects them emotionally and financially and we hope by supporting this great cause we can help our family and friends fight back and help them not only battle, but survive. Hopefully some day a cure will be found and to be a small part in making that happen will be awesome."
As always there are a handful of events leading up to the relay. Among them is the Relay Day on Fourth Street which is set for May 15. The annual Survivors' Tea is scheduled for May 2 in the Taylorton Room at the Days Inn.
