What began as a student-led fundraising initiative evolved into an evening of remembrance, celebration and hope as hundreds of Interlake residents gathered in Stonewall for the inaugural Interlake School Division Relay For Life.
Student leadership teams from College Stonewall Collegiate, Teulon Collegiate and Warren Collegiate joined forces to support the Canadian Cancer Society through a unified Relay For Life fundraiser in Stonewall on May 29. More than 220 people gathered for an evening of walking, remembrance and celebration. The $38,107.85 raised will support cancer research, improve quality of life for people affected by cancer and provide services for families in need
Students from Teulon Collegiate, Collège Stonewall Collegiate and Warren Collegiate joined forces for the first time to host a unified Relay For Life event on May 29, raising $38,107.85 for the Canadian Cancer Society — more than double their original goal of $15,000.
The event drew 221 participants and brought together students, staff, cancer survivors, caregivers and community members who have all been affected by cancer in some way.
The evening officially began with cancer survivors and special guests leading the opening lap around the track. Participants from all three schools followed behind in a show of solidarity and support, symbolizing the collective effort to fight cancer and support those affected by the disease.
Throughout the evening, participants took turns walking laps while taking part in a variety of themed activities designed to keep the energy high and encourage community involvement. Bubble solution and wands were distributed during a bubble lap, teams tested their coordination during a three-legged race and participants joined a lively conga line led by Fallon Campbell.
While the event featured plenty of fun and celebration, organizers also created opportunities for reflection and education through a series of guest speakers who shared personal experiences with cancer and highlighted the importance of research, support services and community connections.
Among those speakers was Rhonda Nichol, a registered nurse with more than 36 years of experience, including over 23 years working in oncology.
Nichol spoke candidly about the moment many patients hear the words, “You have cancer,” describing how a diagnosis can instantly change a person’s life.
“Cancer is something that has affected all of us in some form, whether it’s through a diagnosis, the long journey following, or the loss of a relative or friend,” she said.
Nichol reminded participants that one in three Manitobans will be diagnosed with cancer during their lifetime and emphasized the importance of events such as Relay For Life in supporting patients and families while funding research that continues to improve outcomes.
She reflected on the progress made in cancer treatment during her career and shared stories of patients who found hope even while facing difficult diagnoses.
“What you are doing here is not only helping support programs for those living with cancer, but you are also helping support the research behind cancer treatments,” she said.
Nichol noted that advances in research and clinical trials have transformed outcomes for many cancer patients, pointing to the work being done by researchers and clinicians at CancerCare Manitoba.
“I have personally seen some amazing results because of this,” she said. “I will never forget seeing the hope and promise of a new treatment actually work for someone and being able to share that moment, that victory.”
Another powerful presentation came from Claudette Griffin, a 25-year breast cancer survivor and founder of the Liliane Baron South Interlake Breast Cancer Support Group.
Griffin recounted receiving a phone call from her doctor while preparing to leave on a vacation, only to learn that a mammogram had revealed breast cancer.
“I pulled the car over and couldn’t believe this,” she said. “This couldn’t be happening.”
She described the fear and uncertainty that followed her diagnosis, recalling concerns about her family, her business and her future.
Despite those challenges, Griffin said support from others helped her through treatment and inspired her to help others facing similar circumstances.
After her mother, Liliane Baron, later lost her own battle with breast cancer, Griffin used memorial donations made in her mother’s name to establish the South Interlake breast cancer support group.
For the past 25 years, the organization has provided emotional, practical and financial assistance to local women and families affected by cancer.
Over that time, the group has supported more than 60 women by helping cover expenses such as prostheses, specialty garments, childcare, meals and transportation.“We were there to support her,” Griffin said while sharing the story of a young mother undergoing treatment. “That is so rewarding to see that we can help.”
As daylight faded, participants gathered for one of the evening’s most emotional moments — the Luminary Ceremony.
Decorated luminaries were arranged around the perimeter of the Collège Stonewall Collegiate gymnasium, each representing a personal story of loss, survival, courage or support. Participants and community members were invited to walk among the glowing displays, reflecting on loved ones who have battled cancer and those currently facing the disease.
The quiet ceremony provided an opportunity to honour cancer survivors, remember those who have died and recognize the ongoing challenges faced by patients and their families.
Organizers encouraged attendees to take time to reflect on cancer’s impact while reaffirming a shared commitment to supporting research, treatment and care.
For student organizers, the evening represented far more than a fundraising total.
By bringing together three schools from across the Interlake region, the event demonstrated the strength of community collaboration and the willingness of young people to take an active role in supporting causes that affect countless families.
With more than $38,000 raised, organizers said the inaugural relay exceeded every expectation and laid the groundwork for future partnerships between the schools.
The success of the event reflected the determination of students, staff, survivors and supporters who came together with a shared goal — creating hope for those affected by cancer while helping fund research and support services that continue to improve lives across Manitoba and Canada.
