Individuals and teams recognized for '14 fundraising

Relay raises about $245,000 in Woodstock
We thank all participants of Relay For Life in Woodstock.
While the dollars are still getting counted, tabulated and re-counted, Tracy Bucholtz from the CCS Oxford office says we are nearing $245,000 for Woodstock.
Many individuals and teams deserve that little extra congratulations as award winners:

Random pictures of Relay For Life 2014

Capturing crowds, recognizing volunteers and sponsors
Wandering around the CASS track before and during Relay For Life in Woodstock offers the opportunity to capture some moments.
It was the 15th Relay for Woodstock -- raising more than $230,000 for the Canadian Cancer Society.

Portions of the program provide Relay info

Schedules, Chuck's Place, Entertainment, and What's Cooking 
At Relay For Life there are obviously dozens of sponsors and many small details to iron out as June 13th approaches.
The Opening Ceremony is at 6:45, followed by the Survivor Lap. The Luminary Ceremony is at 10 p.m., but there is so much happening with the Fight Back Zone, food tent, children's activities, team photos, entertainment on the stage, games organized by the committee, fundraisers run by various teams, plus massages, the silent auction and providing some cancer education throughout the night.
The title page of the program has already been posted here, but now we are posting more reminder items from the program.

Reminders, a request for volunteers and a list of sponsors

Check the checklist; and pack lots of enthusiasm
As Relay For Life kicks off on Friday night at CASS, the committee reminds participants to bring a checklist of items, including their enthusiasm.
Here is the final newsletter for Relay, including a few other details, including parking suggestions.
Teams are reminded they can have their team pictures taken. The on-going volunteer spirit of the Woodstock Camera Club is one of the many important volunteer groups at Relay. The pictures are printed at Shoppers Drug Mart (sponsor) at the east end location on Friday night, so you can also receive your team pictures at Relay.
If you would still like to volunteer in some capacity -- maybe in logistics to help set up the stage and tent city, or possibly with the luminary committee as they write messages on the paper bags and place luminaries on the track in alphabetical order, don't hesitate to call the CCS office at (519) 537-5592.
The steering committee thanks in advance Boston Pizza, Swiss Chalet, No Frills, Pita Hut, Tim Hortons and other food sponsors, plus the Saturday morn cleanup crew which includes the Lions Club of Woodstock and Knights Of Columbus.

 

Maddie McIntyre survives cancer, to graduate high school

'Metal alloy rods' inserted in right leg as cancer was removed
Relay For Life is Friday in Woodstock 

By Mark Schadenberg

I've had the opportunity to meet champions from sports, but on Monday I met a true champion – a young lady who battled cancer and won.

Maddie McIntyre (right in photo) will graduate this month from St. Mary's High School in Woodstock, but the 18-year-old from Ingersoll will tell you quickly that a diploma is not her most significant accomplishment.

McIntyre is a cancer survivor – now cancer free after an extended battle with Osteosarcoma.

“I am truly blessed to have made it through my cancer (diagnosis and treatment) alive – with support from my friends and family. So many people have been such a huge support.”

McIntyre's prom is Friday – the same day on the calendar for Relay For Life in Woodstock. McIntyre will attend both with as many as 80 schoolmates and family joining her at the Canadian Cancer Society fundraiser at the CASS track around 10 p.m.

“I'm more excited about Relay then my prom,” said McIntyre.

Just one week before her 16^th birthday, McIntyre was diagnosed with cancer and after 18 months of chemotherapy and one pain-staking surgery, she is soon to be a high school graduate.

McIntyre's recovery included an operation that included not only the removal of her entire right knee, but also a portion of her tibia and femur. McIntyre describes her leg now with the knee joint being “metal alloy rods.” She was unable to walk for about six months as her operation at Sick Kid's in Toronto was April 11, 2012 and she didn't walk again until October of that year after physiotherapy and cancer treatments.

The Relay For Life organizing committee will recognize McIntyre after the 10 p.m. Luminary lighting ceremony, and introduce Maddie, and her friends and family, to enjoy a survivor lap.

“I often think of those who did not make it, who I had met in the hospital and who had the same cancer as me,” says McIntyre, who adds that Terry Fox also had the same cancer, and the Woodstock Relay is at the Terry Fox Memorial track at CASS.

The St. Mary's graduating class is planning to present a cheque at Relay as well.

Among McIntyre's fan club is best friend Kelsey Malott (also pictured), who will also graduate from St. Mary's along with her personal hero.

McIntyre adds: “At prom and at Relay, our graduating class will be together one last time, and I'm looking forward to walking the track at Relay – proud of my huge accomplishment.”

Make a necklace, check out Facebook and drive to Heart FM

The 7th annual Drive Thru Pledge-A-Thon is June 6 
The Relay For Life committee thanks all teams for participation in the annual Canadian Cancer Society fundraiser.
As has been posted here before, many teams organize specific money-raising ideas or events.

104.7 On Your FM Dial
The 7th annual Drive Thru Pledge-a-thon is taking place at Heart FM on Friday June 6, from 6 - 9 am. Drive on by the studio on Norwich Avenue to drop off a donation, grab a Tim Hortons coffee and take a shot on the crokinole board for your chance to win! This message from Liz Wismer and her Girlz Night Night team.
Members of the steering committee will be present at Heart FM assisting Liz with her pledge sheets, so you can receive a charitable donation receipt at this event.

The Rack Pack
Another team always promoting itself is The Rack Pack.
Once again this year, they are organizing the necklace making promotion at Relay. Purchase a string for $5 and on each lap around the CASS track you can pick up a free bead for your necklace. A great idea and for participants a great memento / keepsake of Relay For Life.
The team's online auction ends at 8 p.m. on June 9: You can check out the items at:  http://www.32auctions.com/RackPack
Relay For Life always wants to direct you to our Facebook page of 'Canadian Cancer Society Relay For Life in Woodstock', but did you know the Rack Pack has its own FB page at 'The RACK PACK - Relay For Life Team'.

This was written with 8 days to go to Relay 2014.
Be sure to search other stories on this blog site, including the latest newsletter which has a full list of all-night games and activities, plus a listing of the entertainment.