My Aunt Cathy was one of the most wonderful people. When she passed away due to cancer in 2010, it was a devastating blow to our family. I spent a year mourning her before I realized she would not have wanted me to be miserable. She always made others a priority. I decided to do the same by starting a Relay For Life team in her honor, to fight back against cancer.
What I didn’t know is how much volunteering would change my life. I got to meet so many local cancer survivors who are fighting for their lives like my aunt was. I’ve made many friends who understand what I have gone through and help fill the void after my aunt’s death.
I am now a better person because of Relay For Life. So my advice to anyone trying to cope with the loss of a loved one, and everyone in our community really, is to get involved with charity. Volunteer your time. You will meet amazing people, gain professional experience (I got a job because of the skills I gained), feel great doing it, and you will make a difference in our community.
Cara Atwell
Vancouver
