The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
Erin's Little Troopers raised $2,200 this past weekend in the inaugural Erin's Run for the Relay for Life. Supporting young cancer survivor Erin Mansell and her group, 114 participants either ran or walked in the five- and 10-kilometre road race. Originally the group had hoped to see 50 participants at the road race, and mother Robyne said they were very grateful to see more than double that. 'We were blown away by the amount of people that came out,' Robyne said. Runners and walkers lined up at Rotary Wheel and made their way along the Perimetre, to the Princess Boulevard junction, and then back to the start line to make five kilometres. Saturday had the perfect temperature for the road race as the sun was in the team's favour. Erin shyly said she was happy and surprised with the turnout from the event. 'I felt amazed that there were lots of people,' she said. Mansell and Erin's Little Trooper team member Patty Korchinski put on the race as they raised money and awareness for the Canadian Cancer Society. 'We didn't end up walking...but we would have liked to,' said Robyne. 'But with your first time (organizing), you don't know.' Robyne's husband Kelly cheered on from the road as he warned oncoming traffic of the road race. Robyne easily named a dozen volunteers who helped put on the event. 'We have an amazing team and staff at Hapnot Collegiate,' said the mother of two, referring to the support provided by the school at which she teaches. Though Erin's Little Troopers is made up of roughly 15 participants, the group has plenty of help and support from the community. 'Our team is just a great group. Everyone is willing to help and I wasn't surprised at all,' Robyne said. The $2,200 raised from Erin' Run will go towards the final donation the group will make to the Relay for Life. Diagnosed with Rhabdomyosarcoma cancer at the age of seven, Erin is feeling great and enjoying life. A clean set of scans this August will mark two years cancer free for the young Flin Flonner. The Relay for Life will mark its second year in the community this September. And though she doesn't remember too much of the event, Erin says she liked walking the survivor lap with her great aunt. G, as Erin calls her great-aunt Charlotte, travelled to the community to walk with Erin as a breast cancer survivor. Erin is excited for the Relay for Life this year and is looking forward to raising money for the Canadian Cancer Society. 'And we have a really big team,' she said proudly. Erin's Little Troopers will continue to fundraise, like many other teams in the community. A garage sale as well as the continuation of selling bracelets that read 'Cancer Sucks' as well as handmade braided bracelets are in the works for the team.
