Related content: Photos from the 2001 Great Lakes Relay for Life...click here

Karen Lawless, the teams coordinator for the Relay For Life Committee participated in her first relay in October 2011.

“I did it because I thought it was for a good cause.  I lost a friend to cancer earlier that year and have also had some close friends who have lost loved ones over the years to cancer.  We are all affected by cancer in one way or another so it had to be a good cause.

Shortly after the relay one of her closest friends, Alex Meeve, aged 33 was diagnosed with breast cancer.  She had two children (three-year-old Xavier and one-year-old Beth whom she was still breast feeding.  Feeling a lump in her breast she assumed it was a blocked duct. A visit to her doctor saw her admitted to hospital just before Christmas when she had a partial mastectomy.  Alex required six months of chemotherapy, a total mastectomy followed by six weeks of radiotherapy.

“I still remember when Alex called me to tell me she had breast cancer in mid-December

2011.  I was shocked and just couldn't believe what I was hearing.  How does this happen to someone so young and beautiful. Alex’s strength and courage just amazed me every single day,” Karen said. 

Alex has been cancer free since mid 2012. 

“While Alex was going through her battle, I just couldn't shake the feeling that I wanted to do more and in the back of my mind, I thought why not join the committee for the 2013 Great Lakes Relay.  I think the Relay for Life is such an amazing event - it brings a community together who are all there to raise money for something they have been effected by in one way or another.”  

The Great Lakes Relay For Life will be held at Peter Barclay Sports Field on October 24  starting at 10am and finishing at 8pm.

Relay For Life is a fun, community event where teams take turns to walk around a track raising money and awareness for Cancer Council NSW.

In 2013 Great Lakes Relay For Life raised an incredible $87,000 by 59 registered teams to help Cancer Council NSW support families in the Great Lakes region affected by cancer and invest in prevention programs and vital cancer research.

Sarah Rogers, Community Relations Coordinator from Cancer Council NSW Northern Region says the dedicated organising committee are hoping the whole community will get behind the event this year.

“We are encouraging business and corporate teams as well as lots of schools and community groups to register their teams – it’s a fantastic team building and bonding experience.  And be assured, by getting involved you will make a difference in your community in the fight against cancer,” said Sarah.

Registering a team is easy. Jump online at www.relayforlife.org.au, search for Great Lakes and start your Relay journey for just $20.