FROM a simple fund-raising concept - walking over a distance for sponsorship - to a celebration of survival, the Relay for Life has become a community awareness phenomenon for the Cancer Council.
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Communities around Australia are more than willing to "rally for their relay" and each year tens of thousands of dollars are raised for the cause, providing the chance to fight back against cancer.
As the recipient of the funds raised, the Cancer Council couldn't be more supportive of events, throwing their weight behind promotion and administrative support.
Community lead of Western NSW at Cancer Council, Ricky Puata, said relays served a sa touchstone for communities, and strengthened cancer survivors and their families.
"Relay For Life is an experience that will stay with you forever," Mr Puata said.
"We host activities designed to celebrate cancer survivors and recognise their carers.
"We honour those who have died from cancer at our Hope ceremony, and we raise funds to support people affected by cancer."
As well as supporting broader Cancer Council initiatives, funds raised do help the residents of Griffith and surrounds.
"We also fund Transport to Treatment and accommodation services for people who live in Griffith and need to travel to Wagga Wagga for cancer-related appointments," Mr Puata said.
"Lilier Lodge is funded (with CanAssist) to support patients going to treatment at Riverina Cancer Care Centre in Wagga Wagga.
"Money raised also goes towards our cancer prevention and advocacy programs as well as our world-class research that will help save lives of people in Griffith, in Australia and around the world."
Mr Puata was full of praise for the organising committees that have driven the Griffith Relay for Life over its 10 events.
"Griffith Relay For Life is a chance for the local community to come together, have fun and give back to support people affected by cancer," he said.
"The 2019 event marks 10 Griffith relays. Since its inception in 2002, it has raised over $700,000.
"We thank the Griffith community for their ongoing support."