Twelve hours walking among the spirits of those who lost the battle. Twelve hours feeling the beating hearts of those who survived. And twelve hours looking into the hopeful eyes of those still fighting. For twelve hours we fought fatigue, aches, the cold, and the rain. But we also fought back tears—tears that flowed in silence upon reading the moving stories but especially upon seeing the number of people who came out to support the cause.

All night long, we were guided by over 2,500 luminaries, each bearing a message of love and hope. The lights warmed our hearts and aching bodies alike. That night, we thought hard, we questioned things, and we encouraged one other. We got to know each other better. It was an amazing night! We felt like we were part of something much bigger. But don’t go thinking that all we did was cry—not even close! As the fatigue started to set in, we started to laugh. And by five o’clock in the morning,  when it started to rain, our laughter couldn’t be suppressed. Maybe it was because the sky was starting to brighten and we knew we were approaching the finish line.

Twelve hours. Twelve hours is nothing in a lifetime. Nothing! Nothing compared to what those who face cancer and who struggle every single day go through. But for the Canadian Cancer Society, the twelve hours dedicated to the Relay for Life at Maisonneuve Park meant raising $380,000—$1,350 of which was raised by espresso, who rose to the challenge. Congratulations to everyone who walked and a big thanks to all the generous donors.

Standing at the start line: Back row (L-R): Stéphanie Grivotet, Renée Beaudet, Julie Sigouin, Annie Harvey, Guillaume Catusse, Karine Falco, Émile, and Marie-Ève Beaudet. Front row (L-R): Anik Lachance and Sabrina Leblond-Murphy. Missing from photo: Loïc Dambrine, who joined the group later.