Courage is defined as the quality of mind or spirit that enables a person to face difficulty, danger, pain, etc., without fear. Bravery. Anyone who knew Tanya Howard, and her brave battle with cancer, coupled with her dedication to founding the Drumheller Relay for Life knows… courage fits. The Canadian Cancer Society has awarded Howard the 2009 Medal of Courage. This special national award is given to a person, who in their personal battle with cancer, has exhibited outstanding, exceptional courage. There will be an awards ceremony in Calgary on April 25 where Howard will be honoured.Part of Howard’s courage comes from how she stepped out publicly with her battle to inspire others to work for the cause. Her story became well known to the community of Drumheller as she breathed life into the first ever Relay for Life.The Relay for Life in Strathmore in 2006 was a pivotal moment for Howard. First diagnosed with brain cancer in 2005, and then colon cancer a year later, she attended the Strathmore event as a survivor. Afterwards, she decided to make the Relay For Life a reality in Drumheller. Within months, she recruited a dedicated core of volunteers, and her passion soon spread. The 2007 Relay for Life in Drumheller set a record for the most funds raised for an inaugural event in Canada with $430,000. “No one could say no to being involved with her dream to bring Relay to Drumheller and making it a success. If she could do it with all that was going on in her life, how could you say no?” reads the nomination supporting material.Tanya passed away in May 2008 shortly before she could witness the second annual Relay for Life in Drumheller. Each division of the Canadian Cancer Society is granted the possibility of one medal of courage per year. Tanya Howard honoured with Medal of Courage from Cancer Society
Courage is defined as the quality of mind or spirit that enables a person to face difficulty, danger, pain, etc., without fear. Bravery. Anyone who knew Tanya Howard, and her brave battle with cancer, coupled with her dedication to founding the Drumheller Relay for Life knows… courage fits. The Canadian Cancer Society has awarded Howard the 2009 Medal of Courage. This special national award is given to a person, who in their personal battle with cancer, has exhibited outstanding, exceptional courage. There will be an awards ceremony in Calgary on April 25 where Howard will be honoured.Part of Howard’s courage comes from how she stepped out publicly with her battle to inspire others to work for the cause. Her story became well known to the community of Drumheller as she breathed life into the first ever Relay for Life.The Relay for Life in Strathmore in 2006 was a pivotal moment for Howard. First diagnosed with brain cancer in 2005, and then colon cancer a year later, she attended the Strathmore event as a survivor. Afterwards, she decided to make the Relay For Life a reality in Drumheller. Within months, she recruited a dedicated core of volunteers, and her passion soon spread. The 2007 Relay for Life in Drumheller set a record for the most funds raised for an inaugural event in Canada with $430,000. “No one could say no to being involved with her dream to bring Relay to Drumheller and making it a success. If she could do it with all that was going on in her life, how could you say no?” reads the nomination supporting material.Tanya passed away in May 2008 shortly before she could witness the second annual Relay for Life in Drumheller. Each division of the Canadian Cancer Society is granted the possibility of one medal of courage per year. 