Regina – Quite a scene greeted the Wascana Park geese at daybreak Saturday, as hundreds of slightly soggy fundraisers and volunteers packed up their tents, lawn chairs, patio lanterns, and various other camping necessities at the Canadian Cancer Society’s hugely successful Relay for Life.

This year’s version of the all-night relay built on the momentum of the past three efforts, raising a projected $350,000 for cancer research -- a Relay for Life record in Regina. “Support for the Relay for Life continues to grow every year. We have 142 10-person teams, hundreds of volunteers and 501 cancer survivors with us this year,” said Relay Chair Sherry Knight.

“There are always many standout groups but this year’s top supporters are perennial leaders Access Communications and CUETS,” she added. “Access Communications had several teams in the Relay and devoted significant programming on its community channel, among other contributions. CUETS responded to the call this year with eight teams and a corporate contribution of $100 for every team entered in the entire relay, which was greatly appreciated,” she explained above the noise of line dancing at the main stage.

With 142 teams participating in the event, CUETS’ corporate contribution helped bring the total CUETS fundraising effort to just under $36,000, up from the $29,500 of 2004. “It was great to see such a great response within the community and within our company,” beamed CUETS Relay for Life Chair Joelle Adams.

“I can’t say enough about my colleagues, including those who aren’t walking in the Relay this year,” she added. “Fighting cancer is such an important cause and we couldn’t have raised this money for research without them. They solidly supported our many fundraising efforts, including 50/50 tickets, gift baskets, jeans day contributions, pledges and special events such as the steak night.”

The cause has special meaning for Adams this year, as it does for the friends and families of the 15 cancer survivors from last year’s Relay who lost their battle during the year. Adams’ shirt bears the name of former fiancee Man Tran, who died of leukemia just three months ago. “He was a great guy with a bright future. It was extremely difficult for me to get through the victory lap this year, but I wouldn’t have missed it.”

The victory lap Adams refers to is easily the most poignant moment of the entire evening, as the 501 cancer survivors proudly walked the relay track to the applause of more than 2,000 family members, friends and supporters. “It’s always a very emotional experience, and really puts a face to the fight against cancer. The victory lap celebrates the fighting spirit among cancer survivors and really lets them know they are not alone in their battle. I know how important that is to our survivors.”