Two Fraser Valley women have seen enough cancer in their families, and have made a personal vow to help research efforts, and raise awareness. Cheryl Thorpe and Leanne Foreman are running partners, and while they started training together this year in the hopes of completing their first half marathon, their focus is now also on the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada.
They're hoping to raise $10,000 to $12,000 for the society, and in the process they'll continue toward their goal of completing another goal — a full 42K marathon.
"We have both lost family members and friends in their battle against cancer," Foreman says. "We have vowed to not only help the research aspects and raise awareness, but to help improve the quality of lives of families effected by this horrific disease that holds no discrimination."
They've been fundraising for a while now, and have already reached almost half of their goal, through a frozen food sale, a carwash, cupcake sale and a workplace barbecue.
The next event will be a spaghetti dinner at the Agassiz Legion on August 12. The dinner is by donation, and runs from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
They've also set up a fundraising account at the Agassiz Recycling Depot, under the name "42 for the Cure".
They will be at the Agassiz Legion spaghetti dinner, and are looking forward to meeting people who want to donate to their cause, and telling them their stories.
On September 24, the pair will be set up at Cottonwood Mall in Chilliwack from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. And at 4 p.m. that day, Jade Summers, owner of Head Case salon, will shave Thorpe's head for donations.
Other ways to donate include dropping by any Prospera Credit Union, or visiting their facebook page, 42 for the Cure.