Community of Cheticamp Unites to hit Milestone of $200,000 for Cancer Patient Care Fund

Community of Chéticamp Unites to Hit Milestone of $200,000 for Cancer Patient Care Fund

The community of Chéticamp is in the midst of a milestone year. Since 2008 they’ve raised $185,000 for the Cape Breton Regional Hospital Foundation’s Cancer Patient Care Fund and are excited about hitting a massive goal of $200,000. With a committee of only five, they bring their community together and work hard to exceed expectations each year.

In addition to their goal of fundraising, they hope to bring awareness to the importance of helping families afford the costs of a cancer diagnosis and fight to win their battle. “You never know when cancer is going to strike,” Says Darlene AuCoin, who has played a major role in the Chéticamp Walk committee since the start in 2008. “Today it may be someone else, but tomorrow it could be you.”

The committee started in 2005, organizing fundraisers such as a benefit dance, selling tickets on baskets and hosting a ‘jail your boss’ event. In 2008 the committee brainstormed the Chéticamp Walk, also known as the Acadian Walk, to drastically increase their fundraising goals. “We never imagined we would be hitting a milestone like this if you asked us 9 years ago,” Says AuCoin. This year they’re looking to expand their mission and recruit from other communities. A team of doctors and nurses from Inverness has signed up to help spread awareness of the importance of the Cancer Patient Care Fund for communities who don’t have easy access to the hospital.

The Cancer Patient Care fund, which helps on average 38 patients each month, started due to the needs of a Chéticamp cancer patient. This fund helps with the costs of medication, travel for patients and basic household needs and since 2014, has disbursed $836,827.80 to Cape Breton cancer patients.

“Cancer research is very important,” Says AuCoin “But if the patients don’t have the funds or drug plan to afford medication, travel or basic needs, their dream of being cured is hard to find. That’s where we come in.”

The walk takes place on July 23, 2017 from 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. at the senior’s hall behind Saint Peter’s Church in Chéticamp. The day of the event will bring music, door prizes, even splits and more. Also there will be a special moment for all survivors during the walk.

Since 1992, the Cape Breton Regional Hospital Foundation, in partnership with the community has raised more than $38 million to purchase equipment, and fund upgrades at the Regional Hospital. Since 2014, the Foundation has raised 1.35 million for mental health services. Thanks to the generosity of the community, the foundation has been able to purchase priority equipment and fund services which provide world-class care, closer to home.

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For more information, please contact:              

Mark Inglis

Communications Officer - Cape Breton Regional Hospital Foundation

902.567.7054

Mark.Inglis@nshealth.ca