Alyssa paying it forward
You know Alyssa Fraser? I do. I know she was diagnosed with pseudomyogenic hemangioendothelioma. I know it’s a particularly rare and insidious cancer that as of now, has no known cause.
It forms tumours throughout soft tissue and, in Alyssa’s case, brings a caseload of pain.
At the time Fraser was diagnosed, she was a champion powerlifter and a darn good volleyball player. She was also a teenaged girl.
I first spoke to her after treatment had started. She was raising money for a fairly unknown cancer charity and also donating her beautiful blonde hair to create wigs for cancer patients. Nature cursed her with pseudomyogenic hemangioendothelioma but graced her with straight, golden-yellow hair. She used both to make the world a better place.
Luckily, Fraser’s cancer was treatable. For just over a grand a month, she could live a relatively normal, pain-free life.
In fact, Alyssa is back to winning national titles in weightlifting.
The Fraser family was helped by a cancer charity based in Calgary, Helping Families Handle Cancer. The organization does good work. Not only did they provide the Frasers with financial assistance but HFHC’s angel, Carie Stock, was there for them.
Stock visits the Ronald McDonald House in Calgary, she introduces herself to everyone and she tirelessly offers a shoulder to cry on and a strong back to lean on. Whether it’s heating bills or a coffee and a cry, Helping Families’ Stock pays the price.
The charity is hosting its second annual Lethbridge Art Exhibit on Saturday at the Galt Museum. Tickets are available at
The art exhibit raises money so the charity can help people like Alyssa, Dee and Jamie Fraser. It does what it can to mitigate the damage from a disease with no regard for suffering.
The art exhibit will give you a chance to buy unique paintings and pieces for your business, home and office. There is entertainment, with the dynamic Julia Daminato singing and Kaitlyn Villeneuve doing a live art piece at the event. There are aerial acrobatics and heartfelt testimonials, too.
Coming to the art exhibit, buying tickets or just donating will make you a part of something bigger. If that doesn’t work for you, then come to the event and next time you see the victories of Alyssa Fraser, champion weightlifter, know you were right there with her.