They’ve spent the last four years or so in a fight, and in the process they’ve raised more than $100,000 for the Vancouver Island Lodge for the Canadian Cancer Society.
Ladies Who Fight was started by Terri Welsh and Kendra Campbell who came together with fellow breast cancer survivors, fighters and supporters, and through their group they have raised $116,000, though four Relays for Life, to donate toward the fight against cancer and support the lodge, based in Victoria, which houses people on Vancouver Island needing transportation and a place to stay while in the city for treatment.
“We’re such a mixed group of survivors and fighters,” said Campbell.
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Now, they’re being honoured for the fundraising efforts. On Aug. 25, Tiffany McFadyen, community manager for the Canadian Cancer Society on Vancouver Island, was in the Comox Valley to present Welsh, Campbell and their teammates with a plaque to honour them for all the work they have done to raise money to help people with cancer.
She talked about the importance of the lodge, which has 21 rooms, and has 2,500 stay each year.
“We are at capacity every single day,” she said.
She thanked those like Ladies Who Fight, whose determination helps support the lodge, which provides space for people needing a home while undergoing treatment.
“Now we have this fabulous building,” she said. “Thank you for providing a home.”
Committee members for the local Relay for Life were also on hand during the presentation of the plaque. Member Val Moore credited the group for the efforts they’ve undertaken in a few years to raise so much for the cause.
“They’ve been a huge part of our relay ever since they joined,” she said.
Before starting Ladies Who Fight. Campbell had been involved with the Relay for Life with a Costco team while Welsh was volunteering, but they bonded and decided to join forces to start the group.
“We’d both been through breast cancer,” said Welsh.
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The team raises money through events like a beer-and-burger fundraisers, first at Crown Isle and more recently at Match. As well, people in the community donate items for silent auctions as part of these events.
They run a Facebook page, and if someone wants to join the private group, they should get in touch by finding Ladies Who Fight on Facebook. In a little more than four years, the social media group has grown to 64 members.
“It’s a very exclusive club you don’t want to join,” Welsh joked.
mike.chouinard@comoxvalleyrecord.com
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