RELAY FOR LIFE FREMANTLE- a success!

I could not have anticipated how inspiring and truly heart- warming the Relay For Life Fremantle (RFL) event was going to be. Being the first RFL event I’ve ever attended, it was an eye opening and a fun- filled day!

RFL is completely different from any marathon I’ve been. It brings together not only the cancer community but their extended family and friends to CELEBRATE the survivors, REMEMBER those they have lost and FIGHT BACK to find a cure.

During the entire event, I was in charge of taking photos and videos of the teams, activities, the flash mob and in essence, capturing memories throughout the day.

Check out the photos & videos here: http://on.fb.me/1MlMVWI

It was amazing to see each team put in so much effort into their costumes and tents, really getting into the spirit of RFL. Furthermore, it was admiring to see even young children, and high school kids being involved in the event. Most inspiring, was hearing each team’s stories – of survival/ loved ones lost to cancer. Particularly, a young 13-year-old boy, Lukas, who shared his emotional survival story of battling brain cancer at the age of 10, where he feared for his life, but bravely fought his battle, learning to walk and talk again with the loving support of his family and friends. 

 Photo: Naomi (mum) and Lukas 

My favourite part of the event was the HOPE CEREMONY that took place at 8pm where participants decorated their paper lanterns in memory of the loved ones they have lost to cancer. Each lantern contained a candle that was lit up and lined up along the stadium track and the stadium lights were turned off. A projector showcased images of the loved ones that have been lost and the teams huddled close together in a warm embrace.

Photo: candle-lit lanterns at hope ceremony

For those of you who have never been to RFL, I would strongly recommend to form a team and fundraise for this amazing cause. There are many events that take place in WA throughout the year, including at Curtin University.

Upon concluding my internship at RFL, I can say that I enjoyed it a lot more than I anticipated. With original intentions of interning in the fashion industry, interning at RFL has been a rewarding experience and one that I will never forget. I look forward to working with the committee once again next year. 

Chermaine Leo

xx