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Optimists' Walkers Raise $55,500 for Breast Cancer
On Sunday, October 4th the clouds separated to let the sun shine down
on over 400 people wearing pink and carrying hundreds of pink balloons at the Community Centre in
Knowlton. They were participating in the 8th annual Cancer Walk and the proceeds therefrom were
dedicated to buying a Digital Mammography Machine for the BMP Hospital.
The event started with a
motivational speech
and poem by Susan Burbank and a very enthusiastic warm-up that included music and dance. The
crowd was filled with women, men, children and dogs from the community who shared smiles, stories
and the energy that was being generated by the event.
After the 5 km and 10 km walk and run were completed, the crowd got
together to enjoy a BBQ and refreshments outside the Community Centre. Optimist members Susan
Burbanks (President), Johanne Coiteux and Louise Gelinas then presented Messrs Peter Ayles and
Gilles Decelles, Directors of the BMP Foundation, with a cheque for $55,500, the net proceeds from
the 2009 event. These Walks have now raised more than $245,000.
Alison Milligan, Honorary President (presently in Africa and unable
to attend) stated through a video presented to the group; "It is the walkers and volunteers
that give the experts the tools they need to do their jobs". Alison's dog, Margo, attended the
Walk and raised the most money in the Four-Legged Friend category. Heather Padner raised the most
"human" money for the Walk this year, $3,465.
Digital Mammography technology will enable medical staff to identify
cancer cells in the breast sooner than is now possible with existing equipment and will enhance
patients' survival rates.
The BMP Foundation thanks all of you who were in any way involved
with this important event and congratulates you for your great results.
Click here to view more
photos of the 2009 Cancer Walk.
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| The Breast
Cancer Walk is organized by the Yamaska Valley Optimist Club, a women's Optimist Club serving the
Brome-Missisquoi area. For more information about the Yamaska Valley Optimist Club's Fight Against
Breast Cancer please call 450 243-5317 or 450 243-1808. |
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