Becky Reid big local inspiration for relay

This June, millions of Canadians will gather to participate in the annual Canadian Cancer Society's Relay for Life. Among them will be the family of Rebecca Reid.

Becky, as she is called by family and friends, was four-months-old she was diagnosed with stage four neuroblastoma.

"We, like so many people, thought cancer would never affect our lives until then," says her mom, Rochelle.

"We now know cancer has no boundaries ... race, sex, lifestyle, geographical area or even age."

Becky has been involved in relay since the first Corner Brook event when she was three-years-old.

"We didn't have a team in that relay, but Becky was invited to attend as a survivor. The next year Stephenville had its first relay and we put in a team called Becky's Blastoma Blasters. We dressed as soldiers and represented different chemo drugs. Our theme was 'helping little kids fight big battles,'" Rochelle says.

The Reid family's team is made up of Becky's family and friends, including both sets of grandparents, her aunts, cousins and some very close family friends.

Becky says kids at the relay enjoy the craft tent most, and her mom agrees.

"Any time I need to find her at the relay, the craft tent is the first place I will look," she says, adding the entire team enjoys the atmosphere of the relay. "It is emotional and uplifting."

The Reids know the relay is important because they've seen firsthand what the money it raises can do.

"Becky survived because of the medical treatment she received," says Rochelle.

"New surgery options and chemo drugs are constantly being developed through research. This research is important because it truly does save lives. Relay is our way of doing our small part to help fund this research so that more people can fight and survive cancer."

She also notes the importance for those currently battling the disease to see the survivors in their bright yellow t-shirts.

"It is a source of strength and hope. It's amazing to see how many people just in our area who are survivors," she says.

In her own words, Becky explains why she thinks people should register a team in the relay.

"It is such a moving event. It is both fun and rewarding. It is an opportunity to remember family and friends who have battled cancer and lost and those who are enjoying the huge success of beating cancer."

Rochelle says her family is reminded how blessed they are each year at relay.

"We are reminded that cancer is still very much a part of other people's lives and how lucky our family is to have Becky with us," she says.

"Our family enjoys the satisfying feeling of participating in the mission to find a cure."

Cheer for Becky's team on June 26 when Relay for Life begins at 3 p.m. at Stephenville Middle School track.

reporter@thegeorgian.ca