Former Fort Frances resident Kathleen McFayden set out to raise $2,500 for breast cancer research and treatment. But with the support of her home town over the last few months, she has exceeded even her own expectations.
“I’ve raised $5,000 and my goal was only $2,500. The fact that I’ve been able to do it is pretty incredible,” McFayden said from her Orangeville home last week.
McFayden is participating in the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation’s “Paddle to a Cure” this summer.
From Aug. 3-10, she will be sea-kayaking on Georgian Bay as part of the “Women on the Way” team. The 120-km trip is for women who have had breast cancer, lost someone to the disease, or those who just want to raise awareness about the illness.
“I’m doing this for other women,” McFayden remarked.
Far exceeding her goal, McFayden said she still can’t believe how much support she received from district residents and businesses.
“I had no idea I would raise this much. Jim Leonard was exceptionally helpful,” she said, crediting him with helping her double her goal over the last few months.
“The people [in Fort Frances] have been very supportive,” she added. “Breast cancer is one of the top three cancers and it is really up there in people’s minds.”
McFayden said she was particularly impressed that such a large number of people chose to donate without being asked.
“I didn’t even have to go door-to-door or ask people to donate. They just did,” she enthused. “Every time I sent in a little more money, the ‘Paddle to a Cure’ people would call me and tell me how I did a great job.”
“We are delighted that Kathleen is participating in this . . . fundraiser,” said Sharon Wood, executive director of the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation (Ontario chapter).
“It’s young people like Kathleen who are the inspiration of this program,” she enthused. “Their involvement has a ripple effect that provides the funds to stop breast cancer before it starts.”
Before her “Paddle to a Cure” adventure begins, McFayden will be leading a 21-day excursion that will include five days canoeing on Georgian Bay.
“It will be a different part of Georgian Bay but I will get a feel for it while I’m there,” she explained.
If you’re still interested in donating to the “Paddle to a Cure,” send cheques made out to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation to McFayden at 70 Mill St., Apt. 3, Orangeville, Ont., L9W 2M7.
