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Agassiz and Harrison women raise big bucks for cancer research

A group of local women have joined efforts and are ‘Moo-ving for a Cure’ to cancer – a tradition that recently surpassed it’s fifth year.
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A local contingent of women recently took part in the Relay for Life

A group of local women have joined efforts and are ‘Moo-ving for a Cure’ to cancer – a tradition that recently surpassed it’s fifth year.

During the recent Relay for Life in Abbotsford, Karen Hatt and 11 of her friends took to the track in their best cow-themed garments to walk and run laps in support of the Canadian Cancer Society.

And this year, the group raised $12,622 for the cause, brought awareness to both the society and cancer – and, of course, those effected by it.

Hatt still remembers the day she heard about Relay for Life, which was held in Harrison Hot Springs for three years beginning in 2011.

Hatt’s father was diagnosed with lung cancer and died in 2010. He’s the reason Hatt walks every year.

“In 2012, I saw the advertisement for the Relay for Life in Harrison Hot Springs, and right away, I thought I’d like to do this in memory of my father,” she said.

So she made a status on Facebook, and within a couple days a team of a dozen local ladies was created.

With group members like Hatt walking for their own individual loved ones, together group members also walks in support of one of their former members who was diagnosed with cancer a few years ago.

“One member of our original team was diagnosed with cancer a few months after that first event in 2012.,” Hatt explained.

“When she came out the following year to cheer us on, and walk some with us, it was a very emotional and moving moment.”

This year, group members each contributed a little more themselves to the cause, as a friend, Ross Wootten, to several members died from cancer in April.

Almost half the money was raised through team fundraising before the event, Hatt said.

The group worked at the Fall Fair beer garden, hosting garage sales, and two Paint Nite events, as well as collected bottls on a regular basis.

“I believe its important to let people know that we do care, that we wish and hope we can make a difference in the fight against cancer and raise awareness to the cause,” Hatt concluded.

Group members this year included: Michelle Stuyt, Debbie Vanlaerhovan, Donna Sperling, (from Agassiz, now Chilliwack) Debbie Hansen, Colleen Marchant, Andrea McRae, Liz Hatt, (from Agassiz, now Chilliwack) Shari Schlecter, Caci Schlecter, Claudia Fischer, Lindsay Harrison (from New Westminster), Susan Owen (from Agassiz but now living in Lumby), Elaine Stephens (from Wales and Harrison part time), and Maureen Harrison.



About the Author: Ashley Wadhwani-Smith

I began my journalistic journey at Black Press Media as a community reporter in my hometown of Maple Ridge, B.C.
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