This March 2026 marks a significant milestone for St. Jerome's University as a host and partner of successful Canadian Cancer Society's Relay for Life events. Relay for Life unites communities all across Canada to support the Canadian Cancer Society’s research, advocacy, and patient care. Our SJU community has raised many tens of thousands of dollars over the past twenty years in support of this wonderful cause.
This year the goal at SJU/UW is to raise $25,000 with $4,900 raised to date and plenty of time before the event. The goal for the SJU Faculty and Staff team is $2,000 and there are many free ways to support the initiative if a donation does not work for you at this time.
"I relay for my dad who I lost to brain and lung cancer 15 years ago and for all of the families impacted by cancer. I honour his memory and feel fulfilled by the fact that in the 7 years I have been a part of Relay for Life, the statistics have gone from 1 in 2 Canadians to 2 in 5 Canadians will have cancer in their lifetime. This is directly correlated to the great research and programs that the Canadian Cancer Society has for people living with cancer, survivors, and their families."
Tina Nguyen
Residence and Community Life Assistant
7 year participant in Relay for Life
Why Support Relay for Life?
Cancer touches many lives, which means Relay for Life is an incredibly meaningful and personal event for many of us. This year, cancer is especially close to home at St. Jerome’s with our dear colleague and friend, David Seljak, undergoing treatment for lymphoma.
What can I do to support?
Donate to help reach our fundraising goal!
Donate to the SJU Staff & Faculty Team to show your support – or join the team yourself. Alternatively, you can search for a specific student or team to support on the Relay for Life website – It all goes to the same place!
Consider donating before our event this Saturday, March 21.
If you miss this day, the donation page will remain open until the end of April.
Relay for life events strike a beautiful balance of creating space to share our real encounters with cancer in an atmosphere of community care that is also rooted in a spirit of hope which embraces the healing power of fun and laughter. At the event, teams will walk a track as a symbol of the fight against cancer and engage in meaningful ceremonies that honour our loved ones as well as entertainment and fun team challenges.
About the event
Drop into the SJU Atrium on March 21 from 4 to 10 p.m. for any part of the event.
All are welcome. Bring your friends and family - kids included!
5:00 – 5:30 p.m. Opening Ceremony
Survivor Lap and Survivor Speech
5:30 – 9:00 p.m. Community activities
Come anytime to enjoy community activities, crafts, movies, dance, dodge-ball, and a themed dinner!
9:00 – 10:00 p.m. Luminary and Closing Ceremonies
Come together to honour all of our loved ones impacted by cancer.
Feel very free to drop in and participate or show your support for any aspect of this meaningful day that speaks to you.
Please reach out to Tina or our student co-chairs Maryam and Matthew if you have any questions or to learn how you can get involved.
Tina Nguyen
tina.nguyen1@uwaterloo.ca
Maryam Esttaifo
Matthew Pinchak
uwaterloorelay@gmail.com
Stay connected
Stay connected to learn about events leading up to the big day, and stay tuned for more updates regarding bottle drives and other fundraising initiatives.
Instagram: @uwaterloorelayforlife
Facebook: UWaterloo Relay for Life
Online: www.support.cancer.ca