Unite for the Fight

If you're going to be in the Ottawa Valley this weekend, please try your best to attend the Fourth Annual Unite for the Fight Against Childhood Cancer:

The Unite for the Fight committee was founded in February of 2008. Their mission is to raise funds and awareness for childhood cancer research in memory of Cailin Gallagher. The major fundraiser for the group is an evening of live musical entertainment. The annual Cailin Gallagher Unite for the Fight event will be held this year on May 28, 2011 at the Germania Hall in Pembroke, Ontario.

You can check out the website here, and the event page here. Cailin was a good friend of mine in high school, and an inspiration to everyone who knew her. I actually named my first runway collection in her memory, and for the past three years I've been honoured to donate to the silent auction for this event. This year I donated a rope scarf, and a beautiful one-of-a-kind dress.

This rope scarf will be up for auction.

A dress similar to this one- but honestly,

much nicer- will be auctioned off as well.

The Gallagher family says it better than anyone- here is an excerpt from the Unite website.

Cailin Gallagher was 20 years old when she died on January 1st of 2008. Although she lived for only 20 years, she filled every moment with love for her family and friends. Her zest for life and fun loving attitude won her many friends. Cailin showed compassion for others, even when she herself was suffering. Medical staff would often marvel at her ability to be positive in the face of such adversity. Cailin relapsed 5 times after her initial diagnoses of Wilm's Tumour, and each time she would fight back without complaint. Her bravery and courage were a testament to her strength and determination. We, her family, and friends will keep her memory alive with our fourth annual UNITE for the FIGHT event. On Sat. May 28th at the Germania Hall 15 Bennett St. Pembroke ON. We will celebrate Cailin's birthday as she would have wanted- with a party, and at the same time raising money and awareness for research into childhood cancer. The event will feature an evening of live music, a silent auction, and a light lunch. Tickets are $20.00/person. All proceeds from the event will go to Childhood Cancer Canada.

Every school day about 8 children in Canada are diagnosed with cancer. Cancer is the number one disease killer of Canadian children. The Childhood Cancer Foundation is the only national charity dedicated to the fight against childhood cancer. With your generous support you will help improve survival rates and quality of life for pediatric cancer patients and their families.

Cailin suffered through harsh chemotherapy and radiation treatments in an effort to prolong her life. Survival rates are improving, but we need more gentle and effective treatments that will guarantee a 100% cure rate for all children facing cancer. Cailin wanted to make a difference, we know she already has. Thank you for supporting research into childhood cancer through the Cailin Gallagher Unite for the Fight event.

We would like to extend our sincere appreciation to those who have donated to our first three UNITE FOR THE FIGHT events. In the last three years we have raised over $43,500!

The success of the events are a fitting tribute to Cailin. She would be so proud. Thank you for your generosity. We look forward to seeing you on May 28th 2011.

If you are not able to attend, I strongly urge you to make a donation.