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 Mansell's name has become well known around the local Relay for Life circuit. Erin, 10, had her own team _ Erin's Little Troopers _ in the 2011 Relay For Life and will be back at this year's event. The young girl's team started two years ago for the first Relay for Life held in Flin Flon. The team will join others in raising awareness and funds for the Canadian Cancer Society. The main event is scheduled for September, but Erin's Little Troopers are getting an early start. The team will be hosting a five- and 10-kilometre race on May 11 starting at the Rotary Wheel. 'It's a good chance to get some exercise while raising money for cancer,' said Erin, a Grade 4 student at Ecole McIsaac School. Runners and walkers will start at the Rotary Wheel and make their way around the Perimetre to the Green Street and Princess Boulevard turnoff, and back. Those doing the 10-kilometre race will repeat the course. An entry fee of $15 and $25, respectively, will help Erin's Little Troopers raise more funds for the Relay for Life. 'We think the walk is a great way to raise money...and bring more awareness to Flin Flon's Relay for Life,' said Robyne Mansell, Erin's mom, on behalf of her family. 'Hopefully one day a cure for cancer is found and no one else ever has to suffer due to cancer, especially children.' Erin, a cancer survivor, is no stranger to hospitals and doctor's offices, but her scans have been clear for 18 months and she is not currently on any treatment. Erin will continue to be monitored with checkups every three months with an MRI as well as CT scans every six months. Race Day The one-day race on May 11 is open to all ages and abilities. Patty Korchinski, an organizer of the run, says this is just what the area needs. 'I've been here for 15 or 16 years and we've never had a road race,' she said. 'Road races are typically fundraisers, like the Manitoba Marathon raising money for mental health.' Putting their heads together, Erin's Little Troopers decided to host their own road race. Korchinski said a five- and 10-kilometre race is perfect. 'Flin Flon has a fairly large running community,' she says. The five-kilometre race is designed for walkers and those interested in just being part of the event. The 10-kilometre race, Korchinski says, is for the active runners. 'We just don't have anything like that and we want to see how it goes,' she says. Those interested in participating in the race are required to register. Registrations can be completed at The Orange Toad prior to the race or on May 11 at the Rotary Wheel.
