By Oli Herrera

RELAY FOR LIFE

Local MP walks for 24 hours in Relay for Life event

Jun 12, 2021 | 5:47 PM

PRINCE GEORGE–June 12th was the Canadian Cancer Society’s annual Relay for Life event. In the past, Prince George has stepped up in being one of the top fundraising cities, but this year was different.

But that didn’t stop two locals from fighting against cancer.

Local MP of Cariboo-Prince George Todd Doherty and his friend Cristian Silva walked for 24 hours straight to raise money for cancer research.

“I believe there’s a day where a cancer diagnosis isn’t a death sentence.” said Doherty.

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.Doherty says that cancer has impacted his family and as a public servant, he says he feels the impact from other affected families as well.

“We spend time walking with survivors, they share their story with us, they share their stories with us, with their families that have lost loved ones. It just motivated us to do more.” said Doherty.

The two walked from 5 P.M. on Friday, June 11th until 5 P.M. the following day. Althought their feet and knees were sore, they knew what they were doing was bigger than just walking.

“Right now, our calves and knees are just swollen, so I agreed to be a part of this. What I learned is the pain that we went through, in the last 20-some hours is nothing compared to what cancer patients go through.” said Silva.

Doherty’s team has raised over $4,500 for the cancer society and he says that although this year’s event has been altered due to COVID, he’s proud of the community.

“It’s been a tough two years on Canadians, but you know it’s still amazing how charitable people are.” said Doherty.

This was the 8th year Doherty has done a walk like this, and he plans to continue it in the future.

“Cancer touches 1 in 2 canadians in our life time, are gonna get a cancer diagnosis, that means 50% of our friends and families are gonna hear that diagnosis that you have cancer.” said Doherty.