A family has come together in support of one of their own who is battling cancer and they are putting together a fundraising effort to help with medical expenses.
In February Katherine (Munroe) Swanson, of Pipestone, Man., a mother of four with 9 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren, was diagnosed with breast cancer. Over the past few months she has endured numerous medical trips, sometimes driving three-and-a-half hours from home. After having a right mastectomy, Kathy began her chemotherapy on July 12.
鈥淢y aunt Kathy is a very loving kind-hearted person who always goes out of her way to help anyone,鈥� said Georgeanne Genaille. 鈥淪he is often referred to as the peacemaker in our family. Kathy is always front and center to volunteer her time and often money to any fundraiser that is put on and never asks for anything in return.
鈥淓veryone knows how costly medical trips can be, and as a result she is having financial difficulty. We would like to return her years of kindness by raising money to help her offset her medical needs and travel to and from chemotherapy and/or radiation treatments.鈥�
As a fundraising effort, nine family members have decided to shave their heads, leaving only the bangs which will be dyed bright pink for breast cancer. Eight female pledges include: Mary Sarah Genaille (sister); Mary Buydens (sister); Gloria Genaille (sister); Crystal Munroe (daughter); Margaret Pangracs (daughter); Georgeanne Genaille (niece); Doris Campeau (sister-in-law), and Georgina Keewatin (sister-in-law). Durwin Genaille (nephew) is the ninth and only male pledge, and will be shaving his head leaving only a Mohawk which he will dye bright pink as well.
鈥淲e picked August 31 as our goal date because by this date Kathy will have lost all her hair,鈥� Georgeanne said. 鈥淲inter will be just around the corner and we want to show our support by going through the winter months with no hair, just as she will have to. We will broadcast live all pledges getting our heads shaved on Facebook and also post it on YouTube.
鈥淲e鈥檒l be having our heads shaved at the Keeseekoose First Nation Hall at 4pm on August 31, and are extending a welcome to everyone to attend and watch as the pledges get their heads shaved. We have contacted a couple hair salons and, so far Chris's Style Shop of Norquay has graciously volunteered to come out and shave some heads for us,鈥� she said.
The group is seeking pledges of any amount. 鈥淜athy has opened a separate account strictly for her medical travel expenses and all funds raised will go directly into this account. This will also keep track of how close we are to achieving our goal.鈥�
Persons wishing to make a pledge or donate any amount may do so by: contacting one of the pledges in person, or Interac E-transfer to Kathy directly at [email protected].
鈥淲e would like to thank everyone in advance for their support and any amount donated will be greatly appreciated,鈥� said Georgeanne on behalf of the pledges.
