Red is the color of courage.
Monday, April 11, 2011
By: Ann Vessey

I'm participating in Halifax Relay For Life on June 3 because I'm 3 years cancer free as is my dad, Bill. I Relay for family and friends who find themselves in a doctor's office and hear those words "You have cancer." We are winning the battle folks!

This year in particular, I'm Relaying for a very special friend, Marta Twohey. On May 26, 2008 when I learned the melanoma (cancer) cells had spread to my sentinel node, it was Marta (and her husband, Brian), Ian and I turned to for advice and encouragement. At that time, Marta was three years into her own campaign with cancer. Marta choose to wear red throughout her campaign against the cancer in her body. Marta and Brian were both scheduled to attend Kathleen & Colm's wedding last summer, and Marta had purchased the most darling little red "fascinator" hat to wear. Marta was not able to attend the wedding in the end, and Brian asked if I would like to wear the wee red hat the day of the wedding. While the color didn't match my outfit, I was proud to have photos taken wearing Marta's most fashionable "fascinator." Marta died on August 5 (only five days after Kathleen & Colm's wedding) and on the day of her memorial service in Grand Pre, everyone was invited to wear something red and the Covenanter Church was awash in all things red and beautiful.
As the Halifax Relay Survivor Chair (for the second year), I encourage other cancer survivors to come out and attend the Survivor Reception and Victory Lap on June 3 (Friday) at the Halifax Commons. If you are a cancer survivor or know one, please have them register on-line and come out on June 3 to show everyone the Relay participants why it is important to keep up our battle and support the Relay for Life. (www.cancer.ca/relay)

All of you can help me lead the "Fight Back" against cancer campaign by pledging me now and helping make cancer history. Online pledging is secure and it saves the Society money by reducing administrative costs - it means the money you give can go further to help the fight against cancer.
Thanks for your support and encouragement! Ann