Catherine Hoy walked a little slower than usual, and spent a lot more time in reflection during Friday night's Relay for Life fundraiser at McLeod Athletic Park.

She and a team of about 30 other relayers from South Langley Church all had heavy hearts that night, mourning the loss of friend and fellow Relayer Stan Friesen. Cancer claimed Friesen the day before Relay.

Friesen was a member of the church congregation who quickly volunteered with set up and tear down at Relay when Hoy first introduced the concept to South Langley Church three years ago.

"My heart is heavy, but when we walk tonight, you'll be in our hearts," she said to Friesen, lighting a luminary in his memory.

Relay was definitely a time to reflect on Friesen, as well as his sister, who died of cancer shortly after last year's Relay.

But it was also a time to celebrate the lives of those who lost, as well as the victories of those who have survived this disease, said Hoy, a 56-year-old Fort Langley workplace chaplain.

"I feel that this event is meaninful in many ways. People whose lives have been affected by cancer can feel encouraged... We're doing this for them. We're fighting alongside them."

This is Hoy's fourth year at the Langley Relay.

Like so many, she joined an existing team the first time, then proceeded to spearhead the creation of the South Langley Church teams each year since.

The first time out, the church fielded 20 people divided into two teams. The last two years, there have been 30 people, divided into three teams.

• For more Relay for Life stories, see page A1 and A5 of today's Langley Advance

rhooper@langleyadvance.com