GEORGE NEWS - Relay For Life (RFL) helps communities across the globe celebrate the lives of people who are fighting cancer, remember loved ones lost, fight back against the disease, and also offers a network of International Heroes of Hope (IHOH) who are determined to make a difference in saving lives by sharing their story and leading the fight against cancer.

International Relay survivors are given the spotlight to show that there is life after diagnosis.

These 'International Heroes of Hope' inspire other community members who have been touched by cancer. They're a testament to the progress that has been made in the fight against cancer and are changing the face of survivorship worldwide.

"This year, we have decided to introduce Local Heroes of Hope, as we believe that people within our own community in George have their own testimonies of hope and inspiration to share with others," says Adele Potgieter, the chairperson of the RFL committee.

Heroes of Hope are individuals who:

• Serve as role models and portray hope to others with cancer
• Proactively maintain their health with the recommended treatment regimen
• Take initiative and have a spark to pursue goals and dreams
• Are motivated to live life to the fullest
• Do not let the limitations of cancer get in their way of pursuing dreams
• Have a positive approach to life
• Use their special skills to help others as well as themselves
• Contribute to their community
• Talk openly about having cancer
• Are proud of who they are and what they have accomplished
• Have a special attitude that helps them respond in a positive way to life's challenges

Persons of all ages with the diagnosis of cancer living in the George area are eligible for nomination to the Local Heroes of Hope programme.

You can nominate a person or nominate yourself. Nomination forms may be obtained from Adele.potgieter@nmmu.ac.za, as well as the Cansa office in Merriman Street.

Categories for nominations:

• Children: anyone from 1 to 16 years
• Youth: people from 16-25 years
• Adult: Female - 25 years +
• Adult: Male - 25 years +

Local Heroes of Hope will be announced on the evening of 15 March at the Relay for Life event.
Nominations are open from 1 February and will close on 5 March.

Any medical information you provide will be held in strict confidence by the Heroes of Hope Living programme panel members.

Any information you provide will be utilised only for the purposes of evaluating your nomination and communicating with you regarding your nomination and/or selection.

'We bring you the latest George, Garden Route news'