Local Ovarian Cancer fundraisers to be held on August 16 and September 8

Toni Lucas, Pincher Creek Voice

There will be three distinct fundraisers in support of ovarian cancer awareness happening locally on August 16 and September 8.

• On Friday August 16 there will be a fundraising barbecue behind Robin and Company, located on Main Street, from 11:00 am until 2:00 pm.   There will be live entertainment from Chris Davis, Albert Prairie Chicken, and a number of other performers.  Professional photography services will also be available.  
• On Sunday September 8 there will be the local segment of the The Canadian Ovarian Cancer Walk of Hope. 
• Also on Sunday September 8 there will be a silent auction or bucket draw for baskets donated by local businesses.

The Ovarian Cancer Walk of Hope Fundraiser will be happening in 45 communities across Canada on Sunday September 8, 2013.  Locally it is being spearheaded by Leslie Claringbull.  "My mom was diagnosed with it September, 2013," said Claringbull.  "I was shocked to realize that I really didn't know that much about it."  Claringbull learned about it and realized that she wasn't the only one that was not educated about this particular cancer.  "It's not a well known cancer, but it's the deadliest of women's cancers."

Over 2600 Canadian women are diagnosed with this cancer in a year.  The sad fact is that every year the mortality rate of this disease is approximately 1750 women, according  the Ovarian Cancer Canada Organization.

 If detected and treated early the survival rate is 90%.

 Knowing what to look for and being able to let your physician know what your concerns are can change the outcome because of early detection.  "Knowledge is power," stated Claringbull.

The walk will begin and end at Town Hall on September 8, with registration starting at 9:00 am and the walk beginning at 10:00 am.  There are two courses to chose from including a 2.5 kilometer walk along Main Street and a 5 kilometer walk that includes creek pathways.

At the Town Hall there will be an exercise session to get everyone on the right track, concession beef on a bun lunch, and amusements for the kids.

Those that wish to sponsor this cause or want to join the walk can contact Leslie Claringbull at 403-627-8747, or visit the Facebook page 'Ovarian Cancer Walk of Hope Pincher Creek'.

"I'm running the silent auction," explained Jessica McCLelland.  She is currently looking for businesses that are willing to donate goods or services to a fundraising table. McClelland is hoping to use the lottery license of a local not for profit to make it a bucket draw.  If that is not feasible all these donations will go into a silent auction.  "Hockey does really well at it, but you need a lottery license to do it," said McClelland, who originally got a team together for the walk and decided to take on the responsibility of a side project.

"There's lunch, a kids carnival, and face painting.  You won't just walk and leave, it's going to be more of an event."  She has chosen to walk and help out now with an eye to the future.   "If it means that I can do a walk, and a little bit of volunteer work now, for something that might benefit my daughter, then that's great."

The baskets will be on display the day of the walk and earlier if everything goes smoothly.  If you are willing to donate to the auction you can contact McClleland at 403-627-8728, where you can arrange for a pick up or let her know that you will drop the donation off at the Municipal District office during office hours.

Related link:  Ovarian Cancer Canada Organization