WICC and Canadian Cancer Society Relay For Life - Walking for the Past and the Present

WICC announces event corporate sponsor Economical Insurance and reflects back on six-time Relay For Life participant who recently lost her battle with cancer

TORONTO, June 11, 2018 /CNW/ - Women in Insurance Cancer Crusade (WICC) is proud to support the Canadian Cancer Society's Relay For Life event in Toronto on June 15 at Downsview Park from 6 p.m. to midnight. Today, WICC is pleased to announce that Economical Insurance is the event's presenting sponsor with a $107,000 donation toward the fight against cancer in support of WICC's efforts at Relay For Life events in Ontario and Quebec.

"Economical has been a proud supporter of the Relay For Life since 2014," said David Bradfield, Vice-President, Communication and Corporate Marketing, Economical Insurance. "Over the last five years, we have been proud to donate more than $500,000 to the fight against cancer in addition to volunteer hours from our dedicated employees. We know that every dollar devoted to WICC and the Canadian Cancer Society is a dollar toward cancer research, prevention, advocacy activities, and support services for patients and their families." 

Economical is sponsoring Relay For Life events in communities across Ontario including Woodstock, Cambridge, Guelph, Brampton and Ottawa, and the event in Brossard, Quebec.

The Toronto Relay For Life will feature a series of special presentations, including a tribute to honour six-time Relay For Life participant Susan Walsh, who lost her battle with cancer on April 20, 2018.

"Susan Walsh was an inspiration. As an individual, she raised more than $26,500 for the Canadian Cancer Society, and her team, Team Susan, raised more than $46,000. She, as well as WICC, believed that research is the key, which is why WICC and the insurance industry are lacing up for the 10th year in a row to support this life-changing cause," said Marilyn Horrick, Board Co-Chair, WICC Ontario.

In 2012, Walsh decided to enroll as a Relay For Life participant with her company team and was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer just two days before the event.

"Thus truly began my advocacy for cancer patients and cancer research," said Walsh in 2017, when asked why she Relays. "I walk because no matter what type of cancer you may have or where you are being treated, you may benefit from the Relay because [all] money raised helps fund research across Canada."

Throughout the six years of her on-and-off fight against her cancer, Walsh never shied away from the battle with the disease. It is individuals like Walsh who inspire others to gear up and join the fight with hopes of one day eliminating this life-altering illness.

"I have known so many people affected by cancer that this felt like a charity event I could really connect to. The energy of the whole evening felt really powerful," said Paul Martin, WICC Relay For Life co-founder, when asked about his early involvement with the Toronto Relay For Life 10 years ago.

WICC aims to help raise funds for cancer research and raise awareness of the event itself, all while encouraging team spirit at this uplifting celebration. Everyone who joins the Relay is there to appreciate life and remember those who have left us, in a loving, caring atmosphere.

"Whether you're supporting a team, walking the track or wanting to donate, you will not regret it, I promise," added Martin.

All proceeds help researchers discover life-saving treatments and allow the Canadian Cancer Society to offer support programs to those living with cancer and to their families.

Accept the baton! To register a team in the Toronto event or to participate in another Relay For Life, visit relayforlife.ontario.ca or call 1-866-201-6202.

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SOURCE Women In Insurance Cancer Crusade