Cansa Relay For Life: A Night of hope, healing and remembrance [VIDEO]
Among the evening’s most powerful moments was a heartfelt testimony by Justine Harvey, a cancer survivor of five years and principal of Woodlands International College.
Cansa Relay For Life East Rand volunteer Melissa-Sue Jordaan celebrates the start of the Survivors’ Lap after cutting the ribbon.
Despite the biting cold and severe weather warnings, dozens of cancer survivors, caregivers, families and supporters gathered at the sports grounds of Woodlands International College on May 9 for the return of the Cansa Relay For Life East Rand, an emotional evening dedicated to celebrating survival, honouring lives lost and supporting those still battling cancer.
Held under the 2026 theme ‘Rise Against Cancer Together’, the relay marked the return of the initiative after a gap of several years. Dressed largely in pink, participants sacrificed their sleep and braved chilly evening conditions from 16:00 to 22:00 as they walked relay laps in solidarity with cancer patients and survivors.
Cansa Relay For Life East Rand volunteer Melissa-Sue Jordaan cuts the ribbon to officially start the Survivors’ Lap.
The evening featured several symbolic moments, including the Survivors’ Lap, which celebrated those who have overcome cancer, and the Caregivers’ Lap, recognising the families and loved ones who support patients through treatment and recovery.
Luminaria ceremony leaves many in tears
One of the most emotional highlights of the evening was the luminaria ceremony, where candles placed in decorated paper bags illuminated the field in memory of those who had lost their lives to cancer, while also honouring survivors and those currently fighting the disease.
Candles placed in decorated paper bags.
Candles placed in decorated paper bags.
Candles placed in decorated paper bags.
Many attendees were visibly moved to tears during the ceremony.
Smaller turnout, bigger message
Recently appointed Cansa Relay For Life East Rand chairperson Anand Gounde said the event was intentionally kept smaller this year as organisers focused on rebuilding awareness and reconnecting with the community after the pause.
Caregivers, survivors and supporters complete a relay lap together in solidarity.
“We decided to have a smaller relay so that we could reignite awareness around cancer prevention and the different types of cancer,” said Gounde.
“The weather also played a major role in turnout, but for us the number of people does not matter as much as the quality of the event and the message behind it.”
Survivors prepare to take on the Survivors’ Lap during the Cansa Relay For Life East Rand event.
United in the fight against cancer
Gounde, who has more than 14 years of experience with the project, described the relay as a symbol of unity and hope.
“This event defines our role in supporting cancer survivors, caregivers and patients. We stand together so that a cancer survivor can see another birthday. Cancer affects everybody, regardless of race, religion or age. We fight together, unite together and rise together against cancer.”
A group of supporters and survivors from Woodlands International College shows solidarity at the relay.
The event also featured a mobile Cansa support van, where survivors and patients could receive guidance, information and counselling on cancer treatment and support services.
Survivor’s heartfelt testimony shines light on cancer journey
Among the evening’s most powerful moments was a heartfelt testimony by Justine Harvey, a cancer survivor of five years and principal of Woodlands International College.
Justine Harvey, a cancer survivor of five years and principal of Woodlands International College, reflects on her journey after cancer.
Standing before the crowd, Harvey reflected on her diagnosis during the Covid-19 pandemic and the life-changing lessons that followed.
“Cancer changes you,” she said. “The treatments, the waiting rooms, the emotional strain; but you also begin to appreciate ordinary moments in extraordinary ways. You learn gratitude, resilience and the value of people over possessions.”
Harvey also spoke about the importance of support systems for survivors.
Cansa Relay For Life East Rand volunteer Melissa-Sue Jordaan and Agnes Munien join cancer survivor Justine Harvey.
“Behind every survivor is a network of people who carry them through the difficult days – family, doctors, nurses, colleagues, friends and communities like this one gathered here tonight.”
She praised Relay For Life for acknowledging both the pain and hope that accompany the cancer journey.
“One of the beautiful things about Relay For Life is that it does not pretend cancer is easy. It recognises the pain and struggle, but it also celebrates survival, progress, research and the incredible strength of the human spirit.”
Generous school support praised
Gounde thanked Woodlands International College for hosting the event free of charge and providing infrastructure and logistical support.
“In over 14 years, I have never seen a school give so much support to this organisation,” he said.
The relay forms part of Cansa’s 95th anniversary celebrations this year.
The Benoni High School Pipe Band entertains and energises the crowd during the event.
Support needed beyond relay night
Gounde said one of the organisation’s biggest ongoing challenges remains funding, particularly for transport and outreach services for patients who cannot afford access to treatment and support centres.
“Cancer never sleeps. That is why the relay takes place through the evening, it symbolises the need for support 365 days a year.”
He added that Cansa hopes to grow the East Rand relay into a much larger event by 2027, with plans already under way for next year’s relay to take place in October.
Caregiver Thato Mudau and her mother, cancer survivor Victoria Mudau of Dalpark, share a moment of unity at the relay.
Funds raised through the event assist Cansa in continuing services such as patient care homes, cancer awareness campaigns, transport assistance, research, counselling and support programmes for patients and families across South Africa.
Cancer survivor Lydia Straats with her husband Wilkie of Springs, who supports her as a caregiver.Cancer survivor Gerrie Goerman and caregiver Stephanie Clements of Nigel stand together in support.Supporters Terry Johnson and Jackie Coutts show their commitment to the cause.Teachers and parents from the association take part in the relay event.A group of young participants show their support for the fight against cancer.Volunteers hold a banner with a message reading: ‘We fall, we rise, we overcome together.’Cansa staff members gather for a group photograph during the relay.Caregivers take on their relay lap in support of loved ones battling cancer.The Benoni High School Pipe Band lifts the atmosphere, adding energy and emotion to the ceremony.
Fanie joined Boksburg Advertiser over 14 years ago – covering a wide range of issues under the sun. He rose up the ranks from mid-level to senior journalist & became a news-editor. He studied journalism at Damelin & went on to complete his Diploma in Media Practices course at BMH – focusing on print and online media. He loves acting as the eyes and ears of the public.
