Matt Weingarden / Lakeshore News Reporter
The Windsor Cancer Centre Foundation’s Lock Out Cancer fundraising campaign has officially kicked off for the fifth time.
Each May, the foundation selects five ambassadors to lead the campaign. These ambassadors are inspiring women from the community, who have been diagnosed with cancer.
“This is one of our two signature fundraising campaigns,” said Brandy Coulsey Marketing and Communications manager.
Windsor Cancer Centre Foundation. “There are so many treatments and care throughout a cancer journey offered outside of Windsor…our fundraiser keeps the money local.”
She says the disease is difficult enough to deal with, let alone having to make the trip up the 401 for treatment.
“The time, discomfort and costs of treatment like breast cancer reconstruction is stressful enough, never mind having to travel multiple places and occasions is barely even feasible for so many patients,” said Coulsey.
This year’s local ambassadors include: Dana DiCarlo-Stevens, Karma Jasey, Brooke Spitse, Ashley Sarros, and Stephanie Giacalone.
Each of these women have been affected by cancer. Coulsey says that the naming of the ambassadors help to humanize the face of the disease and lend a local voice to the campaign.
“It’s one thing to say ‘five women a day,’ its one thing to provide statistics…its another to hear someone’s story…because you can relate to that.”
One story hits particularly closer to home, explains Coulsey, “Brooke Spitse is one of our own colleagues. She works at the Windsor Cancer Centre Foundation as Fundraising manager and while on maternity leave, she was diagnosed with cancer.”
Ironically, she has worked to secure funds needed for local treatment and services that she, the ambassadors, and many other cancer patients utilize.
“Last year, we fundraised for new chairs needed for the waiting rooms and this year my dad was sitting in one at my chemo appointment with me. It’s so surreal,” said Spitse.
In 2021, Windsor Regional Cancer Centre saw 1,280 women newly diagnosed with cancer. In that same timeframe, women accounted for over 32,000 visits to the Windsor Cancer Centre for treatment and care.
The Lock Out Cancer Campaign supports cancer awareness, research and treatment for women living in our region.
“One-hundred percent of funds raised from our Lock Out Cancer campaign will remain local. This campaign funds initiatives that reduce wait times, provides added comfort, and helps keep more patients close to home while receiving treatment.”, said Houida Kassem, executive director of the Windsor Cancer Centre Foundation.
At a press conference last week, each ambassador shared their stories, and the silver layered key charm necklace adorned with Swarovski Crystals was unveiled.
How you can help:
During the month of May, support cancer awareness, research and treatment for women living in our region by purchasing your own Lock Out Cancer padlock, Lock Out Cancer Swarovski® Crystal jewelry or by becoming a sponsor.
Through generous sponsors and the sale of our padlocks and jewelry, the Windsor Cancer Centre Foundation is able to fund much needed equipment and tools for the Windsor Regional Cancer Centre.
To donate or to find out more information about the organization please visit windsorcancerfoundation.org
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