Cancer Survivor Chris McIsaac Celebrates Life at UPEI Relay

Chris McIsaac received his cancer diagnosis on his 41st birthday in 2009, the same year his wife was six months pregnant with their daughter. After beating non-Hodgkin's lymphoma once, it returned two years later, requiring a stem cell transplant from an international donor registry.

Now cancer-free, McIsaac returned to the UPEI Relay for Life event Saturday at the Chi-Wan Young Sports Centre in Charlottetown. He walked the track alongside students, survivors, and supporters raising money for the Canadian Cancer Society.

For McIsaac, attending isn't just about supporting cancer research. It's about remembering how far he's come and celebrating with others who understand the journey.

"You need to come to these events every year just to remind yourself that, yeah, this happened to you and you're here," he said. "Life is good."

Nine cancer survivors led the first lap of the relay, cutting a ceremonial ribbon to kick off the event. The organizers had initially expected only five survivors to attend, making the turnout even more meaningful.

Students spent months organizing fundraisers to make the event possible. They held a sunflower sale at a local farm, organized yoga sessions, ran raffles, and partnered with student societies for food sales throughout the school year.

Last year's relay raised more than $16,000. While co-chair Rowan Drake hoped to reach $20,000 this year, she emphasized that the real goal was bringing people together.

"The survivors are the whole purpose of why we do this," Drake said. She called the survivor lap one of the most meaningful parts of the afternoon.

Why This Inspires

McIsaac's gratitude shows the real impact of fundraising events. Students gave up their Saturday to organize activities, manage teams, and walk laps for hours. In return, survivors like McIsaac showed up to remind them their efforts matter deeply.

His perspective captures why these events work. Nobody is required to attend, but the connection between those who organize and those who benefit creates something powerful.

"The fact that these kids will get together and organize this and put forth an effort, the least you can do as a survivor is show up and say what you're doing is important," McIsaac explained.

Drake thanked everyone who attended, acknowledging the commitment it takes to spend a Saturday supporting a cause. Participants walked as many laps as they wished, with music and activities throughout the afternoon creating a celebration rather than a somber memorial.

For McIsaac and the other survivors, the relay represents hope, community, and the ongoing work to find better treatments and eventually a cure.