The inaugural Craig's Cause pancreatic cancer awareness walk and fundraiser went off without a hitch this past Saturday at the Cold Lake Provincial Park, with more than 45 participants raising $7,500 towards Craig's Cause Pancreatic Cancer Society, a Nova Scotia based organization devoted to helping promote and support those affected by the disease.
Local organizer Serina Parsons, was overwhelmed by the support for the event and those facing pancreatic cancer.
“Honestly, I could not have asked for anything better,” said Parsons, who had initially set a goal of raising $5,000. “I feel the first year was a success all around. I am always amazed at the amount of support and charity that is given by the people in Cold Lake and Bonnyville.”
Parsons said, not being originally from the area but being able to rally this much support in the first year of the event was astounding.
“This exceeded my expectations. I was thrilled with the amount of support, the amount raised and the number of people that came to the event.”
Parsons, whose mother died from pancreatic cancer in 2003, said beyond fundraising, this event was about getting awareness of the disease out there.
I feel we did start to gain awareness for pancreatic cancer, but we've just scratched the surface,” explained Parsons.
“There were several people at the event who have been affected by pancreatic cancer, sadly their loved ones have passed. I really want this to grow so people going through this now know there is help and support out there. I have been in contact with both hospitals in the area and my goal for the coming year is to get more involved with them, and hospitals throughout Alberta. Unfortunately the reality of pancreatic cancer is that there isn't always time, so we have to get the information out where they are going to see it at the beginning of diagnosis.”
Parsons said the event went smoothly, in large part due to the volunteers that signed up. She said another about 30 people volunteered to do everything from count participants to hand out hot dogs.
She said she is already looking forward to next year's event.
“This was definitely the first of many Craig's Cause Walks for Pancreatic Cancer in the area. I plan to continue this and exceed our goals every year. The more funds we raise the more research can be funded for pancreatic cancer.”