Stewiacke teen uses music to show she cares about cancer
A co-op education placement set the stage for a life-changing experience for Hailey Lemmon, and an opportunity to help others.
While helping at the Colchester-east Hants Health Centre the Stewiacke teen was inspired to organize a fundraiser for We Care About Cancer.
“I’m really happy with how it turned out,” the 17-year-old South Colchester Academy student said. “I was thinking I might raise about $500, but the total was $1,847.80. I was excited when I saw that.”
Hailey called her event Music for Cancer, and it included live music, a silent auction, barbecue, games and a raffle. It was held Aug. 17 at the Lemmon Hill Community Centre, in Dean.
Her grandparents and aunts helped with the event.
“When she started talking about doing this I didn’t discourage her, but I didn’t encourage her,” said her grandmother, Joan Weatherby. “I thought she’d probably forget about it.
“We’re very proud of her. It’s something she would never have done before, but Raj gave her the confidence she needed.”
Hailey spent a lot of time with Raj Makkar, manager of ambulatory care services at the hospital who is involved with We Care About Cancer, while on her placement.
“What she’s done is a huge help,” he said. “Every penny goes to cancer patients and their families, for things like grocery cards, gas cards and wigs.
“I could see Hailey get more and more determined and confident, and I was blown away by the event. It was the highlight of my vacation.
“She’s an inspiration because she thought about the community and she did something.”
It was the first time Hailey had organized a fundraiser. One of the people she recognized through her efforts was her aunt Ronnie.
“She passed away about seven years ago and I was really close with her,” said Hailey. She always encouraged me, and was my Grade 2 teacher.
“I feel I did my aunt proud. I want to try to make this an annual thing now.”
Hailey is just entering Grade 12, and after graduation hopes to go into nursing.