Relay for Life KL 2007

It was an awesome event during the weekend. My parents, a friend and I were at Bukit Jalil. The event was Relay for Life (RLF) organized by the National Cancer Society Malaysia (NCSM). True to the Malaysian spirit of “Malaysia Boleh”, the event started with a high spirit despite the heavy downpour an hour before the opening ceremony. The event was officiated by NCSM honorary advisor Datin Zuraidah Atan followed by a speech by the president Mr Anthony Skelchy.

Although the rain had abated by then and it was drizzling, it did not stop the 300 odd cancer survivors from all ages to walk the survivors’ lap. I must admire all of them, who braved the drizzle, however I used an umbrella and my mother was given a rain coat. Survivors beam proudly as they walked around the stadium accompanied by the boisterous cheers from the crowd.

The atmosphere at MSN Training Stadium’s was one of carnival with live music, live performance, concerts, activities, games and even Ms Malaysia graced the occasion.
Participants from corporate organizations, colleges and individuals continued walking or running for 16 hours on the track. It being school holidays, there were lots of young children joining the activities adding more energy to the RFL. Some people had also adorned their creative costumes while walking on the track. People came with their families and I remembered seeing babies being pushed in the pram around the field. There were also tents for those who wanted to spend the night at the stadium.

I left the stadium about 9.30pm as it was still drizzling and my parents wanted to get home. But the activities were on full swing with everyone having a good time. I was hoping the Luminaria Ceremony would start by then but because of the rain, the event had to be delayed.

I went back again the next morning to the Stadium and to my surprise the crowd was still there. People who stayed over night did not look tired at all. I marvel the energy all of them had. May be next year I must try spending the night at the stadium to witness the enthusiasms of the crowd. That morning I walked a few rounds with my friend on the track….I did not want be left out of the feeling of creating history as RFL was for the first time held in KL…ha…ha!

At 10 am that Sunday morning the RLF came to an end. A record of success has been made in the history books of NCSM. Heartiest congratulations to the organizing committee (many of them cancer survivors), for their tireless & selfless volunteerism have borne into a beautiful fruit to be remembered by all who participated. All those organizations and individual who donated in kind or cash must be applauded. For survivors like me, it was a proud moment when I made the survivors’ lap…a sense of achievement…Hei! I have made it too.

I had taken some picture which will be posted later.

National Cancer Society of Malaysia, Relay For Life

National Cancer Society of Malaysia (NCSM) will be organizing their inaugural RELAY FOR LIFE Kuala Lumpur 2007 to raise funds.

I have been invited to be a volunteer for this grand happening, which will be held from 2-3 June 2007 at the MSN Training Stadium Bukit Jalil. During the same time other countries over the world too will be hosting this event. I did not know what this event until I volunteered. Relay for Life is a fund raising overnight team event in a carnival like atmosphere.

I just received all relevant leaflets and forms. I would have to disseminate this information among friends and acquaintances. And hope to raise some funds too…ha…ha!

This is really going to an exciting occasion because we would have to participate from 2 (6pm)-3(10am) June i.e spending a night over at the Stadium. I usually cannot keep awake by 10.30pm…he!….he!…this is going to interesting.

Relay For Life will start with a Survivors Lap where cancer survivors will proudly make the first lap around the track to celebrate their triumph against cancer. The finale will be the Luminaria Ceremony where candles will be place around the track as a tribute to survivors or in memory of loved ones.

People will all walks of life will make this a day to remember filled with memories, for some of battles won, for some of loved ones lost and for all to cherish life with laughter and joy!