Former local resident Hannah Carter will take the fight against cancer to the streets in September when she participates in a 60-km walk for breast cancer in honour of her mother, Judy.
A social in support of her efforts to get pledges for the “Weekend to End Breast Cancer” fundraiser is being held tonight from 8 p.m.-1 a.m. at local Legion.
“This is the primary event where I hope to raise the funds,” Carter said this morning from Hamilton, adding the event—which is slated Sept. 19-20 in Toronto—demands a minimum fundraising total of $2,000 from each participant.
“I’m hoping that since [Fort Frances] is a small community, and since everybody’s been affected by cancer in some way, people will help me out,” the 23-year-old added.
Tickets for tonight’s social cost $6 each, with raffles and door prizes to be held. Music will be provided by Yowza.
Judy Carter’s battle with breast cancer began in 1997, and the strength she showed her daughter was inspiration for her participation in the two-day walk.
“I’m sure people [in Fort Frances] know her. She’s a wonderful woman,” the younger Carter said.
“When she was going through it all, I don’t remember hearing her complain once that she couldn’t do something.
“This walk is just for two days. If she could do that, I can do this,” added Carter. “It’s definitely for a great cause.”^Carter noted she’s looking forward to being in an event which is expected to see thousands of women and men unite for one weekend and walk 60 km through the scenic neighborhoods of Toronto in a display of commitment in the fight against a disease which affects one out of every nine Canadian women.
“It’s crazy. It’s great to see the number of people who are behind this,” she enthused.
Carter, who runs regularly to keep fit, said she’s been preparing for the 60-km trek.
“I’ve started to walk in the mornings.
One day, it’ll be for an hour, the next day, another time,” she noted, adding event organizers have professional trainers who will establish training walks for registered participants to make sure they’re ready for the endurance test.
The “Weekend to End Breast Cancer,” which is sponsored by the Princess Margaret Hospital in Toronto, is to raise money for both cancer research and treatment.
Carter said those who can’t attend tonight’s social at the Legion, but would like to support her, can go to www.endcancer.ca and either directly sponsor her there, or download a pledge form and mail it in.
Fort Frances Times
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