LOCKING OUT CANCER

Fundraiser to help women

Dawn Sobol spent 14 years working as a pharmacy technician at the Windsor Cancer Centre supporting the care of countless patients from across Windsor and Essex County.

Her own life turned upside down at the age of 34 when she was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma in September 2016. Thrown into treatment, Sobol learned just how valuable the care and staff at the local cancer centre can truly be after becoming a patient herself.

“I can’t even begin to explain how great the care at the cancer centre is — having been on both sides of the counter now,” she said. It is for that reason, Sobol was proud to be one of seven women currently battling cancer who presented themselves as ambassadors for the second annual Lock Out Cancer fundraising campaign. The initial event last year raised more than $125,000.

“This campaign is very important,” Sobol said. “There are a lot of good programs this campaign supports.”

The campaign features necklaces, bracelets, charms and pendants for sale as part of its fundraising effort, which runs until the end of May.

The Lock Out Cancer campaign also features vintage locks for sale on which names can be inscribed and will be put on display at the cancer centre’s garden area during a ceremony on June 2.

All proceeds from the monthlong fundraiser are geared to support programs and equipment for women fighting cancer, said Houida Kassem, executive director for the cancer foundation.

“We are extremely excited in launching our second annual lock out campaign,” she said. “We are selling these beautiful vintage locks and together with the people who purchase them we will be locking out cancer.

“The funds will help support women in our community who are fighting cancer. But the really great part is all the funds we raise will stay local in Windsor.” The fundraising goal is to eclipse the $125,000 raised during the initial campaign, Kassem said. “The goal is to reach more than last year, but really every dollar will make a difference,” she said. “People in Windsor-Essex are always generous, so we hope this will be a good year, as well.”

RBC Financial presented a $1,000 cheque on Monday during the kickoff event held at the Windsor Club to help launch the fundraiser.

Nobody locally is immune from the impact of cancer, whether as an individual, family member or friend, said local philanthropist Brian Schwab, a primary sponsor of the campaign.

“I think everyone recognizes the government doesn’t pay for everything a person needs, so it’s important to raise money through campaigns like this,” he said. For more information about the campaign, how to purchase the jewelry or to contribute, visit www.lockoutcancer.com or call the foundation at 519-254-5577. dbattagello@postmedia.com

I can’t even begin to explain how great the care at the cancer centre is.