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www.insideHALTON.com · OAKVILLE BEAVER Thursday, March 29, 2012 · 8 By Julie Slack METROLAND WEST MEDIA GROUP Corporate teams sought for Relay for Life 2012 motherapy and radiation." In the end, Longo said, she beat the cancer, in part due to the new trial study (including chemotherapy and radiation) she embarked on during her treatment -- research made possible thanks to the Canadian Cancer Society. Longo also credits the support of her family, including her husband, with whom she celebrates 24 years of marriage this year. Longo said her family and the Longo Family Charitable Foundation, of which she is cochair, got involved in Relay because it fit with the company's non-profit arm's goal of supporting children, women and families. It has had a team in every Relay for Life since the event began. This year will be no different. Longo's is also a corporate food sponsor of the event. "With everything that's happened in the family, extended family, friends and co-workers, we thought doing the relay would be a perfect fit," Longo said. "Every year we look forward to it. It's a highlight; it's a fun evening." The evening reaffirms hope and The Canadian Cancer Society's Relay for Life is not only about fundraising -- it's also about team building and drawing together to fight back against the disease. For many corporate teams, the event is something they look forward to as the Canadian winter stretches into spring. Many corporate teams have been involved in the event since it began in 1999. One of those corporate teams to experience the bonding of being involved in such an emotional event is that from Longo's. Sixteen years ago, Gay Longo was juggling a newborn, two children under age 10 and Stage 2 breast cancer. Looking back it seems surreal, she admits. "My son was a year old at the time... it was devastating," she said, as she expressed her excitement for the upcoming Relay For Life. "I had a lumpectomy, then mastectomy, followed by intensive che- SUBMITTED PHOTO GEARING UP: Corporate teams are sought to take part in this year's Relay for Life to be held at Appleby College June 1-2. Here Gay Longo, right, and Laura Indovina at a previous Relay event. faith that one day a cure will be found for all cancers." Longo said it's important for her family's business to give back to the community. And give back it has. According to Relay for Life coordinator Maggie Irving, Longo's has donated several million dollars to the Canadian Cancer Society over the years. This money helps fund crucial research into cancer treatment, noted Irving. Today, more than 60 per cent of Canadians diagnosed with cancer will survive compared to about 25 per cent in the 1940s, according to figures from the Canadian Cancer Society. The 12-hour, overnight, noncompetitive relay event sees teams of 10 cancer fighters taking turns walking, running or strolling around a track. It's an opportunity for friends and family to celebrate cancer survivors, remember and honour loved ones lost to cancer and to fight back. Funds raised by Relay for Life support the society's mission by helping to save, improve and enrich the lives of Canadians. This year's Oakville Relay for Life is at Appleby College June 1-2. To register or for information, visit www.relayforlife.ca or contact mirving@ontario.cancer.ca or call 905-845-5231.