On Wednesday, May 21, St. Mary’s College (SMC) held its third annual Relay for Life event. This inspiring day brought together students, staff, alumni, and community members to honour those affected by cancer. The event surpassed expectations and shattered fundraising records, raising over $105,000—more than double the school’s initial goal of $45,000.

The day began at 10 a.m. with hundreds of people gathered on the school grounds. Laps were walked, luminaries were lit, and heartfelt stories were shared. But one voice stood out among the rest: that of Mikayla Krezek, an SMC alumna, cancer survivor, and now a first-year student in the Bachelor of Science Nursing program at Sault College.

While in Grade 10, Krezek was diagnosed with Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer that attacks white blood cells. Her speech at the event was both moving and empowering.

“I started Grade 10 on crutches,” Krezek said. “I wasn’t even able to walk. The tumour had grown in my knee and was pushing on the bone. That’s how they found it.”

She described undergoing months of intense treatment, including multiple rounds of chemotherapy, spinal taps, blood work, and hospital stays. Holding up a long string of beads, she explained their significance.

“I think there are over 65 beads on there,” she said. “Each one represents a procedure or treatment I had to go through. It’s a visual reminder of everything I survived.”

Krezek credited her strength during those difficult times to the unwavering support of her family.

“Honestly, being with my parents—it’s not like you have a choice. You just have to fight it. Your body has to fight it,” she said. “They dropped everything to be with me every step of the way.”

Now in remission, Krezek says she’s grateful for every moment.

“I’m completely cancer-free,” she said. “I’m in remission. They just do routine blood work now.”

Standing in front of her former classmates, teachers, and a sea of supporters, Krezek was overwhelmed.

“I’m out of words to be here today and to see all the support,” she said. “This event is absolutely amazing. Even last year it was a big event, but I’ve never seen anything like this before. It’s truly incredible—and seeing all these people come together, it’s just amazing.”

More than 300 people participated in the day’s events, including John McDonald, Youth Specialist for Relay For Life, from the Canadian Cancer Society. McDonald, who oversees 25 schools from Barrie, Ont. to Thunder Bay, Ont., said he was deeply moved by what he witnessed at SMC. 

“St. Mary’s College has taken this event to a new level,” he said. “They’ve involved student trustees, Grade 8 ambassadors, and even multiple classrooms across different departments. That kind of collaboration—especially including younger students from feeder schools—is something I haven’t seen across Canada.”

McDonald also praised the school for its record-breaking fundraising efforts and the community’s support.

“I think they’re going to be the top fundraising school event in Sault Ste. Marie’s history,” he said. “For one school to raise over $100,000, it’s phenomenal.”

But what impacted McDonald most wasn’t just the numbers—it was Krezek’s story.

“Just seeing her stand there with her chain of beads, telling her story—it was so powerful,” he said. “To think about a young person going through that kind of journey is pretty inspiring.”

He added, “That’s what Relay for Life is about—hope, courage, and community. And St. Mary’s College truly embodies all of that.”

As the event wrapped up, the mood was one of celebration, gratitude, and reflection. The success of the fundraiser, paired with Krezek’s emotional testimony, left a lasting impression on everyone in attendance.

SMC not only exceeded its financial goal but reminded everyone of the strength that comes from standing together—one lap, one story, and one survivor at a time.