Cystic Fibrosis volunteer recognized for outstanding volunteerism
When Agatha Bourassa first got to know twin brothers living with Cystic Fibrosis (CF) when she was a child, little did she realize how that meeting would shape her life.
At the age of 19, she met her husband-to-be, Tim Vallillee, who also lives with the devastating illness. Once their union was sealed 17 years ago, her passion and dedication to finding a cure fo CF became strong. Ever since that day, Bourassa has been doing everything to not only keep her husband alive also she’s also made it her mission to help with CF awareness and fundraising.
As a teacher at École Rose-desvents in Greenwood, she takes every possible opportunity to educate her ‘ducklings’ about not only CF, but about the importance of being aware of chronic illnesses. She knows first-hand people can be faced with numerous challenges, so Bourassa helps instruct her students about support and advocacy.
After teaching elementary classes for 15 years, the entire student body is now fully aware of the challenges of living with Cystic Fibrosis. Whenever she asks for support for community driven CF events, students show up in droves.
Bourassa has also taken on the role of president of the South West Nova and Valley Chapter of CF Canada for the past six years. Recently at the
Atlantic CF Volunteer Meeting held in Halifax, she was awarded with the volunteer leadership award.
This award recognizes an individual, couple or family who have demonstrated strong leadership to a chapter and who have made wide-reaching contributions worthy of commendation on a regional level.
“Our community may be small, but those living in it have huge hearts and have given the Annapolis Valley national exposure for the CF cause and those fighting this terrible illness like my husband,” said Bourassa.
Ever ready to share her ideas, Bourassa says she is proud to continue the fight against CF and will be leading the way with two big events being held this month. May is Cystic Fibrosis month and there are several ways to help fight the disease.
Live for Lives
On May 20 the musical fundraiser, Live for Lives, is taking place at the Capitol Pub in Middleton from 5 p.m. to closing time with three bands performing.
Tim Vallillee, a local entertainer who also fights this illness, is teaming up with his musical companion Steve ‘Jughead’ Brown from Halifax to open the event.
At 7:30 p.m., the Joseph Bezanson trio takes over and will be followed by the ever popular classic rock band Jokers Right from 9 p.m. on.
Entry to the fun-filled event is a good-will offering, with 50/50 draws and a few auction items up for grabs throughout the evening.
Walk to make Cystic Fibrosis History
The annual Walk to make Cystic Fibrosis History takes place on Sunday, May 28 in Kingston.
The walk is open to everyone. A number of local schools are planning to represent their team spirit and desire to help End CF.
As president of the local CF Chapter, Bourassa says she is proud her community is hosting the event for the sixth consecutive year.
“We are always so proud to host the Walk for CF and are so pleased with the support we get from our walkers, our schools, the Village of Kingston and all our media,” said Bourassa.
Pre-registration will take place at the Credit Union Centre ball field just beside the rink. The walk departs at 1 p.m. with the path taking the walkers all the way down Bridge Street. Dairy Queen and Subway are providing snacks to participants.
Anyone interested in signing up and gathering pledges go to http://www.cysticfibrosis.ca/ walk/ and start your plan to END CF!
All funds raised at these events go directly to CF research.