The 19th edition of the Vaudreuil-Soulanges Relay for Life raised $143,000 for cancer research, double the amount raised in 2022.

The annual event held on Saturday, June 10 in Pincourt, brought together  315 participants and 35 teams, all of whom walked in support of the Canadian Cancer Society.

"We doubled our results from last year and surpassed all our objectives in terms of participants, number of teams and donations. A big thank you to everyone for coming out in such large numbers," said Hugo Gendreau, Head of Communications for the Vaudreuil-Soulanges Relay for Life organizing committee.

"Once again, we thank all our partners, captains, participants and volunteers for their unwavering commitment and invaluable contributions. Their dedication and generosity makes our community a place where hope and solidarity triumph," said Nadine Bissonnette, Logistics Director for the Vaudreuil-Soulanges Relay for Life.

The strength of a community

A cancer survivor himself, Peter Schiefke, federal Liberal Member of Parliament for Vaudreuil-Soulanges, was the Honourary President for this year's event.

"It's been very important for me to walk in the Relay for Life the past eight years but this year is extra special. It's an honour for me to walk as Honourary President and to encourage even more people in our community to get involved in this incredibly important event," Schiefke told Néomédia. 

"I remember when I was going through my treatments especially towards the end of my chemo. It was incredibly difficult and I didn't know whether or not I could go on. I didn't actually make it to my last two days of chemo treatments because I couldn't make it outside the door," he added. 

Schiefke has been a staunch advocate for cancer research and a regular participant in the Vaudreuil-Soulanges Relay for Life. His cancer has been in remission for 11 years.

A tribute to Tarik and others

Schiefke dedicated his walk this year in memory of Tarik, a 19-year-old cancer victim who died 'in his mother's arms' in January, said Schiefke in a statement made in the House of Commons on March 21.

"Tarik was a warrior. During his treatments, his mother said he never complained. He just carried on. If he had a message to share with anyone else battling cancer it would be, 'be brave, you got this,' "said Schiefke.

Tarik graduated from Westwood High School and completed his first year at John Abbott College before his death.

Mayor Comeau 'touched'  

Pincourt Mayor Claude Comeau said his family has also been affected by cancer. "This event touches my heart a lot. I've had quite a few people in my family who passed away from cancer," said Comeau.

"We're very proud to have the Vaudreuil-Soulanges Relay for Life in Pincourt again this year. It's probably the biggest one we've had with over 300 participants," he added.