The event brought together members of provincial parliament, cancer survivors, caregivers and volunteers to celebrate advances in and future commitments to cancer prevention.

Synes-Taraba, whose son Brock Taraba is a pediatric cancer survivor, is an active volunteer with the Canadian Cancer Society's community office in Niagara.

"We need to celebrate the success stories of individuals and families that have faced the battle with cancer and won," said Synes-Taraba. "My family is incredibly fortunate to have a success story to share and it is because of the valiant efforts of my son's medical team, the cutting-edge treatments that are available thanks to advances in research and the support of the Canadian Cancer Society.

"My hope is that by raising awareness through the Celebration at Queen's Park, we can encourage even one person to quit smoking, one teen to stop visiting tanning salons and one family to enjoy physical activity on a pesticide-free lawn. "Together, we can get the message out for cancer prevention."

Hosted by three-time Olympic medallist Adam van Koeverden, Celebration at Queen's Park began with cancer survivors leading the way in the Survivors' Victory Lap around a temporary track in celebration of their courage and strength. During a special Cancer Prevention Commitment Lap, MPPs walked with their constituents to demonstrate their commitment and courage in the fight against cancer.

"For many years, the Canadian Cancer Society has advocated for healthy public policies on behalf of all Ontarians and people living with cancer," said Peter Goodhand, CEO, Canadian Cancer Society's Ontario Division. "At least half of cancers can be prevented through healthy living and effective healthy government policies. The Canadian Cancer Society is dedicated to working with the Ontario government by advocating for these policies and supporting programs that will reduce future cancer burden."