Windsor Cancer Centre Foundation’s Show Us Your Brave Campaign Raises Over $325,000
With donations still rolling in at the end of July 2024, the Windsor Cancer Centre Foundation’s inaugural Show Us Your Brave campaign has officially raised over $325,000 in support of world class cancer care close to home.
Show Us Your Brave challenged people to show bravery in support of the 1 in 8 in our community who will face a cancer diagnosis. Among the many ways to show bravery, was the opportunity to rappel 170 feet down the CIBC Building in downtown Windsor. On June 22nd, 2024, Brave Day took place, where 90 people raised funds and participated in this unique challenge.
Four local cancer survivors, Mark Pastorious, Heather Chauvin, Shannon Kadar, and Pamela Gebrayel were 2024 Show Us Your Brave Campaign Ambassadors. Each bravely shared their experience receiving treatment at the Windsor Regional Cancer Centre.
Gebrayel received treatment in both London and Windsor and is advocating for care close to home.
“The hardest part of treatment in London was being separated from family and loved ones,” states Gebrayel. “There’s nothing like being home and being in your own bed and your own space when you don’t feel well.”
Dr. Sindu Kanjeekal, Chief of Oncology at the Windsor Regional Cancer Centre, says community support is integral to advancing cancer care in our community. Dr. Kanjeekal knows firsthand the impact of progressing treatment and care with campaigns like Show Us Your Brave.
“This is a huge step forward for our community and it is only possible because of our successful recruitment of new oncologists and because of the funds raised locally to purchase all the specialized equipment that we need to treat patients close to home,” Dr. Kanjeekal comments.
Funds from this campaign support the implementation of vital programs like the Stem Cell Transplant Program and Breast Reconstruction, and support initiatives that focus on patient’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being. 100% of funds raised stays local and supports cancer patients in our community.
Houida Kassem, Executive Director of the Windsor Cancer Centre Foundation, is grateful for the community’s support in embracing this new campaign.
As Kassem explains: “Show Us Your Brave gives everyone the opportunity to step outside of their comfort zone and do something they never imagined doing in support of local cancer patients. It’s beyond inspiring to witness the bravery that our community is willing to show for loved ones and for those they may not even know.”
Show Us Your Brave will make it’s return next spring, with Brave Day scheduled for June 2025.
Show Us Your Brave is a fundraising and awareness campaign supporting cancer patients from Windsor-Essex, Chatham-Kent, and Sarnia-Lambton. Make the pledge to raise funds, and step outside your comfort zone and try something new. By showing the bravery inside of you – Your Brave – you are stepping up and showing support for the 1 in 8 in our community who will hear the words ‘You have cancer’. Our loved ones are bravely facing cancer. Are you ready to Show Us Your Brave?
The Windsor Cancer Centre Foundation serves as the official fundraising arm for the Windsor Regional Cancer Centre, fulfilling requests of the Windsor Regional Cancer Program. These requests include the purchase of state-of-the-art equipment, patient amenities, and initiatives, such as the Patient Assistance Fund, and our Seeds4Hope program which supports excellent local cancer research. 100% of funds raised stays local and supports world class cancer care close to home. Thanks to tremendous community support, the Windsor Cancer Centre Foundation has raised over $30 million to date!