Susan McLachlan, a breast cancer survivor, sees participating in the Canadian Cancer Society's Relay for Life as a chance to give back.
"I feel very fortunate to be here today ... I'd like to give back and help others who may be facing what I've faced," she said.
She formed the team Solstice, made up of two daughters and one of their boyfriends, a niece, sister-in-law and a good friend.
"I've always wanted to be involved, but this is the first year I've had the time, opportunity and health to be able to do it," she said.
Along with the Relay for Life, McLachlan volunteers with the society by providing peer support by phone.
McLachlan was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005 and was finally able to return to normal life in 2007, she said. The experience has helped her appreciate the simple things and now she does things sooner rather than later, she said.
"I do enjoy life and I do things I have always wanted to do," she said.
One of those things is gardening - she fulfils this on her hobby farm just outside of Prince Albert, where along with vegetables she keeps chickens and other livestock.
Cancer is difficult to battle, she said - it's tough emotionally and physically.
"I met lots of people undergoing treatment, some that probably aren't here today," McLachlan said.
But she is, has raised around $2,500 for the Canadian Cancer Society and is looking forward to the event, which kicks off tonight at 7 p.m.
"People I've spoken to say it is an event to remember, an emotional event also," McLachlan said.
"I think it's more so a joining together with everyone, I'm also looking forward to the time ... with my family and friends too."
McLachlan will wear a survivor's yellow T-shirt and join other survivors for the Survivor Walk at the beginning for the relay.
"I'm trying to think of all those individuals who have survived cancer and I think it will be very emotional," she said.
Even with the forecast calling for rain, McLachlan is looking forward to the event.
"You know, I have a lot of umbrellas ... I'll make sure I have the rain gear and hot chocolate," she said.
"I'd actually be disappointed if we went inside."
Organizers are keeping their fingers crossed it won't rain, but they won't let the water slow them down.
"The ground is solid enough that even if there is a bit of rain it will be OK," said Laurie Dent, Prince Albert's unit manager of the Canadian Cancer Society.
"Cancer survivors have to put up with pain and discomfort over weeks and months ... if we have a little discomfort overnight, that's our support for them."
The 77 teams registered is the largest number ever at the Prince Albert relay. This 10th annual Relay for Life has generated a lot of excitement as it could be the first ever $1 million relay in Canada after Malcolm Jenkins offered to match all donations up to $500,000.
