It is that time of the year again … Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) Relay for Life event (Friday June 15th at the TD Waterhouse stadium).  This is the signature event that the CCS organizes as their major fundraising effort.  Funds raised in this event goes to prevention advocacies, support for those diagnosed and undergoing cancer treatments, and for research. With the drop in government support for cancer research, fundraising from relay for life is becoming ever more critical.

My students have created a “Physicist for Life” team (this is our fifth year, I think). This year, I am going by this motto: participation first, donation second.  Considering asking one of your friends and join this team together:   http://convio.cancer.ca/site/TR?team_id=269961&pg=team&fr_id=10563&fl=en_CA&et=WpCQGjlWopET_F0d0ssSDw&s_tafId=188868. In fact, I would be so happy if physics and astronomy can spin off another team.  If you have as much an inkling of interest, come and talk to me. If you wondered why I have not signed up yet, the reason is simple:  I am hoping to create another team.

The idea for us to participate is to close the circle: helping CCS help us researchers make discoveries to help patients.  Just by being there, participants and volunteers would appreciate it and will have an extra reason to continue to support CCS and its research arm. In addition, I have been critical of their allocation for research spending. The researchers’ voice can be heard louder and we can all be part of the solution if we contribute to helping CCS in their signature fundraising event.

Thank you.

Eugene