Supporting the Never Alone Cancer Foundation
The Paws for a Cause Walk is returning to Selkirk again this year and tails are wagging. The walk will take place on Sept. 8 and residents will have a few different options to support the Never Alone Cancer Foundation.
“[The walk’s] one of the main fundraisers for the Never Alone Cancer Foundation. This foundation helps support people in our community affected by cancer. We help them financially, emotionally, and physically — with any expenses that they may be dealing with or whatever they’re physically needing. Sometimes they just need a blanket and sometimes they need support,” said Nancy Rowsell, one of the event coordinators for the Paws for a Cause Walk.
The Never Alone Cancer Foundation (NACF) doesn’t provide medical support for cancer patients but instead is an organization that tries to help fill in the gaps in our current health-care system while people are undergoing cancer treatment but also with aftereffects of that journey.
Paxton Malcolm, NACF’s event fundraising coordinator said that one area that people may not realize there are unexpected expenses for cancer patients is parking at hospitals. Rowsell also mentioned that rurally transportation to and from treatments is also something that the NACF helps with.
“Some people, if they’re doing [certain treatments], and they lose all their teeth, then their diet is completely new, so they need to transition to either protein-based drinks, or they need to learn how to make food using a blender or transition to soups. So, it can be teaching people too,” said Maureen Arnuro, NACF’s events and communications coordinator.
To continue to support people with cancer in our community, one of their annual fundraising events is the Paws for a Cause Walk. This year’s walk, like last year’s, starts at Selkirk Home Hardware at 10:30 a.m. Vendors, a food truck and the musical stylings of November Underground will be set up in the parking lot for people to enjoy before and after the walk.
The full length of the walk is five kilometers as the walk runs from Home Hardware to the Selkirk Hospital. Rowsell however said that residents are invited to walk whatever distance works best for them.
“The halfway point will be at the Easton Dr. lights. There and back is just over two kilometers. People have the choice to walk as far as they want, the full five, or they can go up to the first intersection and back, or they can stay put and just hang out with us all. We’re not forcing people to walk. It’s just an event for those that do want to participate in it. Also, you don’t need a dog, and you can [use a mobility aid or] wheelchair. You can participate however you’d like,” said Rowsell.
This year’s walk is a special one because it’s dedicated to Never Alone Cancer Foundation founder, Blue Bomber Lyle Bauer. He thought of the idea for the NACF when he was undergoing cancer treatments and he realized that though he was supported by friends and family, having cancer makes you feel very alone. Wanting to make others feel less alone on their journeys, he started the NACF. Bauer passed away in April of this year and so this year’s walk has been dedicated to him.
In addition to the walk, residents can get in on the fundraising early at Selkirk Home Hardware. Local craftsperson and Home Hardware employee Elmer Harder has once again created a beautiful dog house which is being auctioned off in support of the NACF. The final draw will take place at the Paws for a Cause Walk and residents can purchase tickets until then. Details about this fundraiser as well as viewing the camping trailer inspired dog house can be done at Selkirk Home Hardware.
The opportunity for local businesses to help by sponsoring the walk is also still open.
The Never Alone Cancer Foundation now helps over 600 families a year. Cheryl Disbrowe who is also an event coordinator for the Paws for a Cause Walk explained that when her father had cancer the NACF really helped him and their family.
“Just knowing that there was that support there. In our darkest times with my dad, it was Never Alone that showed up at the door with a basket and just said here’s a meal for you and your family. Just to take the burden off, it was a huge support knowing that you have that,” said Disbrowe.
Anyone interested is invited to sign up for the run online at nacf.ca.
You can also learn more about the NACF at nacf.ca.
“All are welcome to participate. You don’t need a dog. I know for some people that deters them from joining. Dogs are welcome but you can also join as a team or as an individual. You can also self walk if being a part of big crowds and being around a lot of people isn’t your thing,” said Arnuro.
