The Optimist Club of Airdrie will soon be supporting young cancer patients in the city.
The club is participating in the Child Cancer Campaign during the month of June, with proceeds supporting the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation. Alongside Airdrie Aces Athletics, a club sponsored by the Optimists, plans are underway to host a five-kilometre walk for childhood cancer.
The event will take place at Genesis Place on June 17, with more details to be announced as the date draws closer.
“More children die of cancer than any other disease today, and the impact the disease has on children and their families can be devastating,” said Jan Morrison, Optimist Club president.
“There will be an event link to register (on the website) and we ask all participants to download the pledge form and collect pledges for this great cause. There is no entry fee, but we ask each participant to set a target goal for pledges that you hope to collect. Prizes will be awarded for top pledge earners at the event, and we will have entertainment and activities for the kids.”
Cancer is the No. 1 disease killing children today, taking more lives than asthma, diabetes, cystic fibrosis and AIDS combined. Each year about 10,000 kids are diagnosed with cancer in North America, 3,000 of whom will die as a result.
Optimist International established the Childhood Cancer Campaign (CCC) in the hopes of bringing greater service to affected families, helping to fund research and supporting projects at the local community level.
The Optimist Club of Airdrie has been supporting young cancer patients and their families in the community for 15 years. Other programs and service projects the club has been involved in include youth support sponsors, scholarships, oratorical contests, essay contests, walks, a junior golf program and a junior curling program.
“As the president of Airdrie Optimists, I am so proud of the work we do for the youth in our community,” Morrison said.
“As a mother of a child that went through childhood cancer, I am honoured to be a part of this great supportive community called Airdrie. Together we can save lives.”
For registration and details on the Optimist Club of Airdrie Child Cancer Campaign visit www.airdrie.optimistcanada.ca or www.airdrieacesathletics.com
