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NOT many people could even begin to understand what Albury’s Tash Butler has been through this year.
In May, Ms Butler was living a nightmare after her mother was diagnosed with ovarian cancer.
Then, a week to the day after her mother’s cancer was detected, her partner, Chris Chant, found he had testicular cancer.
But at the weekend, the couple fought back against the disease and participated in their first Relay For Life event, keen to repay the support they had received in their time of need.
“It’s been really hard,” Ms Butler said.
“My mother and partner were both having surgery and treatment about the same time.”
Mr Chant, 26, said he was using the relay event to tell his story to other young men.
“It proves it can happen to anyone, no matter how old they are,” he said.
“It was a big shock when I found out.
“I was one of the lucky ones because it was curable.”
READER PHOTOS | Your memories of this year's Border Relay for Life.
Mr Chant urged men to regularly check themselves and see a doctor if they noticed any changes.
Finding his aggressive cancer early was the key to having a future with Ms Butler and his six-year-old daughter Abigail, who sat by his bed and read him books while he was sick.
Ms Butler’s mother, who is still on a journey to health, attended the relay to light a hope lantern.
Border Relay For Life’s Carl Friedlieb said this year’s event raised $440,000 for cancer research.
There were 2650 registered participants in 153 teams lapping Biralee Park, Wodonga.
Mr Friedlieb said the enthusiasm and vibe that the event had generated was even greater than previous years.
“The sheer number of young and old people on the track fighting through the heat and fighting against cancer is great,” he said.
“The Border is coming together and uniting for one common cause.”
A half marathon was introduced this year, attracting about 40 competitors.
The usual Miss Relay pageant raised about $2800.
Another popular addition this year was an ultra-violet light that showed participants where their body was covered in sunscreen.
“The committee is still trying to invent new things to keep the community interested,” he said.
