Family honours 12 year battle by relaying for life

Three months to the day since her four children celebrated her life, Tracy Landers will be at the forefront of Roma's minds as participants Relay For Life.

RELAYING FOR A CAUSE: BACK: Tallis and Andrew Landers, Bryan Vickery. FRONT: Kaitlyn, Rodney, Jezamay and Debbie Landers. Picture: Ellen Ransley

THREE months to the day since her four children celebrated her life, Tracy Landers will be at the forefront of Roma's minds as dozens of participants take to the oval to Relay For Life.

The face of this year's Relay, Tracy lost her 12-year battle with cancer in June, but daughter Jezamay said she was still in her large and close-knit family's hearts.

"We're all doing Relay For Life as a way to remember mum. She also lost her brother and sister to cancer as well... we've had a lot of cancer in our family,” Miss Landers said.

"If we can help contribute to fighting cancer and continue to fund research to keep our family together... we've got a good excuse to be there and support it, especially now we've been through mum's battle.

"Mum loved life. She was robbed, and we want to make sure we can help in some way for everyone in this community to make sure we don't have to go through that again.”

Jezamay's brother Tallis will lead the Welcome to Country on Saturday afternoon at 3pm, before the family open the Relay remembering Tracey.

After the opening ceremony, the 17 members of the Landers team, named 'The Face of Mumma Trace', will lead the Carers and Survivors walk.

"We also want to use it to raise awareness for indigenous health. Mum was non-compliant and we really want to help break down those barriers,” she said.

"We want to raise awareness of keeping up with check-ups, it might change the culture in a densely indigenous population, so they can feel involved and speak out.”

Tracy's brother Rodney said the family had considered Relay for Life for many years, but the significance of joining forces this year was monumental.

"I think it's a great opportunity that we can contribute in some way, and come together and do this,” he said.

"Cancer has touched our family in quite a big way, and to acknowledge that and do something about it, I think this is a great opportunity.”

Relay for Life begins at 3pm on Saturday at Cities Rugby League club with an Opening Ceremony.

The closing ceremony is scheduled for 11.50pm.

For details visit Roma Relay for Life on Facebook

Originally published as Family honours 12 year battle by relaying for life