JODI Seaman first signed up for the Greater Dandenong Relay for Life to honour her grandmother.
The 23-strong Anna Maria’s Angels walked through the night to keep their baton moving and raise funds for Cancer Council Victoria in September 2010.
Just weeks later, the team received another reason to relay.
Ms Seaman’s brother Robbie DeStratis was diagnosed with leukaemia in October 2010.
“This made us even more determined to relay and raise as much money as possible,” she said.
At the relay in March 2011, the family raised $6727.15 and received the Spirit of the Relay award.
“I remember going straight to the Royal Children’s Hospital to show Robbie our trophy,” Ms Seaman said.
“He was disappointed he missed the relay due to his treatment, but was super proud of our achievement.
“My precious brother Robbie passed away in October 2011 aged 18 years old.”
In last year’s relay, Anna Maria’s Angels and Robbie’s Transformers together raised $11,932.15.
“We have entered the two teams again, and this year I am chair of the committee,” Ms Seaman said.
“This event and cause is something my family and I are so passionate about.
“We come together as a family to celebrate the lives of those people we have lost to this terrible disease.
“We truly believe we can make a difference and are working hard towards a cancer-free future.”
Teams will keep their batons moving around Ross Reserve Athletics Track in Noble Park from 4pm on Saturday 12 to 10am on Sunday 13 October.
Last year’s relay saw 499 people across 34 teams raise more than $113,000, which helps to fund life-saving research, prevention programs that help Victorians reduce their cancer risk, and support services.
Registration is $20 per person and includes an official event kit.
There’s also a call for sponsors and performers to spur on participants throughout the 18-hour event.
There’ll be activities, spot prizes and special ceremonies that honour people’s experiences with cancer. It’s not a race, so there’s no age limit or fitness requirements.
For more information or to register, visit www.relayforlife.org.au, email Dandenong@relayforlife.org.au or call 1300 656 585.
