Fourth-year Nipissing University student Damian Wierzbicki, back row centre, is hoping he and his Relay For Life team, the Glow-b Trotters, will be among the top fundraisers again this year.
For the past several years, the Nipissing University Relay For Life has been important to Damian Wierzbicki of Renfrew, but this year’s event is extra special.
Relay For Life raises funds for the Canadian Cancer Centre and this year, as Damian collects donations and prepares for the March 1 event in North Bay, the loss of someone very special to him is top of mind. Riley Hounsome, Damian’s cousin, was just 16 when he died from cancer in July of last year. The Pembroke teen was diagnosed in April 2021 with Ewing sarcoma cancer and faced a challenging couple of years with an inspirational spirit that lives on in his family and friends.
His cousin’s positive outlook did not change throughout his cancer journey.
This is the third year Damian and his friends have participated in the university’s Relay event. This year’s theme is Glow for Hope and Damian’s team is named the Glow-b Trotters.
The group has had some great results, having last year come in as top fundraisers, raising about $3,000. This impressive total earned the team a coveted spot in the midst of the Relay venue, complete with comfy couches instead of the folding chairs used by most event participants.
The relay runs from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. and consists of a number of fun features, including theme laps and activities like bubble soccer and karaoke.
Along with being an important fundraiser, Relay For Life can be a cathartic experience, explained Damian.
Fundraising efforts are going well. As of Monday, the university as a whole had raised more than $25,000 and the Glow-b Trotters were in second place with $2,665.
Damian said the Glow-b Trotters are making a final push this week in an attempt to nab that coveted number one spot.
To contribute to Damian and the Glow-b Trotters efforts, visit the Relay For Life website.
(Written by Sherry Haaima)
