Woodstock Relay For Life: John Hunt recognized for volunteering efforts and continues to battle against cancer

Relay For Life is June 10, and Hunt family is one reason #WhyIRelay

John and Nancy Hunt lost their son Mark to cancer back in 2010

By Mark Schadenberg

Hard work and dedication to a cause deserves to be recognized.
The mission for the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) is to aide those diagnosed with cancer and to research with determination to find a cure.

The task at hand is to Hunt For A Cure.

John and Nancy Hunt of Woodstock know all about Hunt For A Cure, as it’s the long-time name of their family’s Relay For Life team.

John Hunt is a cancer survivor, and continues his battle.

On May 2, 2010, the Hunt’s son Mark – just 31 at the time -- died of skin cancer.

John and Nancy Hunt have been in volunteer mode for the CCS for quite a few years now.

John’s hats (see picture above) include co-chair of Woodstock Relay, team recruitment committee chair, president of the Oxford County community office board, provincial spokesperson for Relay, he’s proud to be a RAT (Relay Advisory Team), and is a member of the board of directors for the Ontario Division of CCS. The American Cancer Society has previously bestowed upon John Hunt the title: Hero Of Hope.

I noticed on John’s social media page that April 26th marked his 12th year since his first cancer operation.

The battle continues.

John with Jan Cunningham, manager of Oxford CCS office

John with Kelly Jorgensen of Oxford CCS office

As you can see, John Hunt is more than just a community champion, he’s a provincial and international champion for his efforts in fighting back against cancer. It is noteworthy to point out that John Hunt is a past recipient of the Provincial Award of Courage.

As everyone involved in the CCS knows, Relay For Life is an integral fundraiser.

“Without Relay for Life, we wouldn’t be able to run research grants and provide services locally,” said John Hunt in a 2015 story in The Woodstock Sentinel-Review.

To top it all off, John is a stamp collector – trying to stamp out cancer or better yet stomp out cancer. The local stamp club currently has an important exhibit at the Woodstock Museum.

I’m certainly one who is proud to call John and Nancy Hunt as friends.

People often answer question #WhyIRelay. Near the top of that list for me, is John and Nancy Hunt.

Below are many informative Relay For Life stories, including the recap writings from the Sentinel-Review over several years, and the submission below to this column from the Oxford CCS office.

John and Nancy Hunt and family team members

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From Canadian Cancer Society’s Oxford County community office:

John Hunt has been a volunteer with the Canadian Cancer Society since 2004 in a variety of roles. As a cancer survivor himself, he shares his story of his cancer journey and that of his son, Mark, who lost his battle to cancer in 2010 at age 31. Through this sharing, John inspires to give hope and encouragement to others, encourage others to volunteer, and to raise funds for the Canadian Cancer Society. John believes whole-heartedly in the mission of the Society – to eradicate cancer and enhance the quality of life of those living with cancer.

At a local level, John is not adverse to rolling up his sleeves to do what is needed for the Society – be it wearing a pink t-shirt and selling pink ribbons to promote Breast Cancer Awareness Month or Co-Chairing his local Relay For Life committee.

During his two years as Co-Chair for Relay For Life Woodstock, the event raised over $500,000. John also gets involved by giving presentations on prevention and his various volunteer roles, selling daffodil pins, marshalling at a running event, and facilitating a prostate cancer support group. He annually personally fundraises over $3,000 with his Relay For Life team.

Regionally, John chairs the Regional Advisory Committee and is the Southwestern Regional Representative to the Ontario Division Board of Directors. He has also been a member of the Ontario Division Relay Advisory Team and has lent himself to supporting many Relay For Life committees in their endeavours.

In addition to his volunteer work with the Canadian Cancer Society, John is an extremely active member of the Oxford Philatelic Society recently having served as President. He thoroughly enjoys creating displays and entering them in stamp collection contests and has won many awards for these displays.

John Hunt has made a dramatic impact against cancer through his volunteer work. Through sharing his story he has inspired others to do the same to further foster donors to contribute to a cause that makes a difference. He has been a role model throughout the community as a volunteer who cares and puts his heart and soul into all aspects of volunteering at the Canadian Cancer Society. He himself has raised tens of thousands of dollars over the years through his personal fundraising efforts. For all of these attributes, John has received the following awards:

2011 – Community Award Celebrating Teamwork as part of the Unit Council (now Community Office Advisory Committee)

2012 – Relay For Life International Hero of Hope Award

2013 – 10 Years of Service Award

2013 – Provincial Leadership Award of Courage

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