Peterborough Petes Aim For $1 Million Goal of Overall Funds Raised For Cancer With 15th Annual Pink In the Rink Campaign

The Peterborough Petes aim to hit a milestone of $1 million raised overall for its 15th annual Pink in the Rink game, announced at the Peterborough Memorial Centre on Wednesday afternoon.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The game is being held on Feb. 3 against the Niagara IceDogs.

The team has raised $954,136 over the past 14 years. The team’s fundraising goal is $50,000 to cross the $1 million mark in Pink in the Rink’s history. 

The proceeds will benefit the Canadian Cancer Society’s Wheels of Hope program this year. It aids those with cancer to get rides to their treatments from volunteer drivers. For those who need to travel independently, it aids in travel costs for safe and reliable transportation.

“The Peterborough Petes players and coaches are extremely excited to participate in the Pink in the Rink campaign this year as ambassadors and help get closer to the one million dollar fundraising mark,” said Michael Oke, Petes general manager and vice president of operations. “Wheels of Hope is a fantastic program and we are very pleased to support this great cause.”

This year, all Petes players and coaches will act as ambassadors for the campaign. Family, friends, and fans can donate on behalf of a particular player or coach by going online and choosing their name from the dropdown menu on the CCS fundraising website. 

“Our Pink in the Rink game is always one of our biggest and most popular games of the year and I think it’s a huge honour and opportunity for the players and the team to be leading the initiative of raising money and awareness for this cause,” said Donovan McCoy, Petes captain.

Official game-worn jerseys will include the names of fans and community members featured in the custom jersey design. Fans can purchase names for just $20 each to be placed on the jersey by contacting the Petes Office at (705) 743-3681 ext. 201, by email or online.

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Market Hall Is Back To Provide Uplift Spirits With "Cancer Takedown" For Cancer Care

Market Hall is back for the second Annual Cancer Takedown as a 'spirit-raiser' for anyone touched by cancer for Nov. 9 at 7 p.m.

Photo courtesy of Market Hall.

The night shines a light on the mental burden of cancer and unites people through song, story and solidarity. All proceeds go to Cancer Care at the Peterborough Regional Health Centre.

Performances will be done by Melissa Payne, Kate Suhr, Linda Kash, Megan Murphy, Anthony Bastianon, Rob Phillips and Pol Coussée. It also includes people sharing their cancer stories.

Husband and wife team Rick and Amy Kemp founded the event. Rick has been a patient of PRHC since 2019 when he was diagnosed with metastatic kidney cancer. In May 2021, his battle doubled as he was diagnosed with a second primary cancer, CNS lymphoma.

“The mental battle of cancer is as tough as the physical battle. Some days, even tougher,” said Rick. “Let's find more ways to help more people get through the mental part.”

Donations can be made at the event or online.

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Melanoma Canada’s Mole Mobile Offering Free Skin Cancer Screenings This Sunday

Melanoma Canada’s Mole Mobile is stopping in Peterborough to give free skin cancer screenings at Sobeys (Lansdowne location) this Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Melonoma Canada recommended that people RSVP before coming but it does not guarantee a spot. Individuals will be seen on a first-come, first-served basis. All appointments are walk-in only according to their website.

Each year, roughly 89,000 Canadians are diagnosed with melanoma and skin cancer. Survival rates are high if detected early. Unlike other cancers, it is often clearly visible on the skin according to Melonoma Canada.

The Mole Mobile typically visits major Canadian cities with long wait times to see a dermatologist, underserved communities, rural areas and Indigenous regions to help speed up the time to diagnosis.

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Community Rallies For Omemee Family With Teen Diagnosed With Cancerous Brain Tumour; GoFundMe Set Up To Help Offset Costs

Omemee and 16-year-old Angela Brooks is in the fight of their life as she is undergoing chemotherapy for a brain tumour revealed to be a cancerous suprasellar germinoma.

A GoFundMe goal of $15,000 has been set up to help cover costs such as travel, home expenses and wages lost due to Brooks’s mother going on critical illness leave for the past four months to take care of her two sisters and one brother.

Just under $13,000 has been donated from the community to help in Brooks’s GoFundMe page. Photo courtesy of Ashley Megan.

Brooks has been ill for two years with her brain tumour discovered in April. When her biopsy revealed that it was a cancerous suprasellar germinoma, Brooks had to undergo 12 rounds of chemotherapy and two-and-a-half weeks of radiation over the next five months in Toronto at SickKids Hospital according to the GoFundMe page. The family has had to regularly travel back and forth between Toronto and Omemee to monitor Brooks’s health.

Earlier this month, Brooks had a septic infection from her peripherally inserted central catheter line and was hospitalized at Peterborough Regional Health Centre.

She was able to come home after spending two weeks in the hospital but could not receive chemotherapy until her blood count went back up. Once it does, Brooks could handle more chemotherapy sessions according to her mother, Ashley Megan. She was due for her final stage of chemotherapy last Monday had everything went to plan.

Megan reported that Brooks’s counts were up on Wednesday on her Facebook account. The teen could get her 11th round of chemo as a result. Brooks is nearing all cancer treatment including radiation.

The GoFundMe created by Mat Wood has raised almost $13,000 of the $15,000 goal with 119 donations. It began back in April and is expected to run into August.

“The family has lost count of how many times they have had to stay in Toronto to be by Angela’s side in her fight,” said Wood. “It has been a long, hard, and emotional road for this family.”

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U9 AAA Tigers Triumph as Champions, Striking Out Cancer at the First Inaugural Pink In The Park Tournament

The U9 AAA Peterborough Tigers took home the gold at the first inaugural Pink In The Park tournament for breast cancer research at Bowers Park; organizers raising over $5,000 this past Saturday and Sunday.

the Tournament Champions, the aaa u9 tigers. photo by cole designs.

15 teams were apart of the tournament from the U8, U9 and U11 baseball divisions, and Peterborough played against athletes from across Ontario to raise funds and awareness for Metastatic Breast Cancer Research.

“Our U9 AAA defeated Markham Mariners 15-8 in game one, then defeated North Toronto in game two. We went on to play The East York AAA Bulldogs in the semi-finals and beat them handedly,” said U9 coach Mike MacNamara. “The championship game was between us and North Toronto. We were down one run with two outs, (and) Jack Leddy scored the tying run off a hit from Emerson Birkhof. Owen Philips hit a double to score Birkhoff for a walk off win the final inning to win the whole tournament.”

the u8 team. photo by cole designs.

the u11 team. photo by cole designs.

Pink In The Park was inspired from Chris Hinze and his fundraising efforts for his late wife Melissa Hinze through Hockey Battles Cancer.

“Seeing first hand the success and how Pink In The Rink was received in the hockey community, I felt that it would be a great opportunity to carry that into the baseball world,” said lead organizer Dan Perilli, who has kids on both the U8 and U11 teams. “Having Cole Designs create a logo, I began branding and organizing how we wanted this event to look, feel and bring awareness to such an important cause. Many of us are touched or know someone who has been touched by this disease, so we are committed to continuing this event to knock cancer out of the park.”

The event included a barbecue, silent auction, ‘Strike Out Cancer’ hats and t-shirts for sale and a weekend of baseball fun for the young athletes who participated.

All photos by Cole Designs.

“It was a beautiful weekend full of amazing energy and we look forward to carrying ahead with this for years to come. Come out next year to help support your hometown Peterborough Tigers and support Metastatic Breast Cancer Research,” concluded Perilli.

Those who wish to donate to the Peterborough Tiger’s Pink In The Park campaign can click the link.

@ptbo_canada ♬ original sound PTBOCanada

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Photos: Immaculate Conception School Raises Over $10,000 for Cancer Research

Staff and students at Immaculate Conception CES celebrated raising $10,638.24 for cancer research in memory of Melissa Hinze.

The school honours beloved mother Melissa Hinze, who passed away on May 11, 2022 after her six-year battle with cancer. All photos by Felicia Massey.

Mr. Sawada braces for the big chop.

Students Finn and Giovanni getting their heads shaved.

The Alderson’s posing before shaving Mr. Alderson’s hair.

Adam Murray of Murrdog’s Craft Barbery touching up Mr. Sawada’s new ‘do.

With help and encouragement from Pedal for Hope, Cops for Cancer and Murrdog’s Craft Barbery, two students, principal Andy Sawada and teacher Shane Alderson shaved their heads to support the cause.

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GoFundMe Created To Help Young Girl Diagnosed With B-Cell Leukemia Days After Fourth Birthday

It may not be the best present for four-year-old Ellie Bell as she was diagnosed with B-Cell leukemia shortly after her fourth birthday but a GoFundMe was set up to aid the family.

Bell after meeting Santa Clause at Lansdowne Place Mall while she got her face painted. Photo courtesy of Natalie Campbell.

Bell received the diagnosis four days after her fourth birthday (Dec. 12). She was release from the hospital after spending 10 days according to a Facebook post from her mother.

It began as what the family thought was a high fever and Bell was taken to the Peterborough Regional Health Centre. She was eventually taken to SickKids Hospital on the same day for several tests including blood work, x-rays and ultrasounds.

The second day, Bell had to be put on a feeding tube while already on five days with no food or fluids according to the GoFundMe page. It was revealed that she respiratory syncytial virus, urinary tract infection and rhinovirus resulting in a a prescription of heavy antibiotics and receiving a blood transfusion (which gradually helped her condition).

On Bell’s 10th and final day at the hospital — which was her birthday — she received a bone marrow aspiration and biopsy because her cell line numbers were still low as stated in the GoFundMe. She was released from the hospital that day. During that time, Bell’s mother had openly asked friends and family to send videos wishing her a happy birthday.

Bell was readmitted on Thursday for a lumbar puncture and her first round of chemotherapy. I was administrated directly into her spine to prevent the cells from travelling to her spinal fluid and brain. A second round of chemotherapy on the same day.

On Friday, Bell will ‘receive a port line inserted in her chest to prevent two years worth of needle pokes’ according to Natalie Campbell, Bell’s great aunt.

Bell began junior kindergarten however her treatment will take roughly two to three years and is unable to return to class until the following school year. The parents have taken time off work to care for her during the recovery process.

“Our top priority is making sure Ellie has the love and support she needs to stay strong, as well as getting more answers in the coming weeks to further determine her prognosis,” said Campbell.

The GoFundMe was created by Campbell on Thursday that has already seen short of $5,000 of the $10,000 goal.

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Couture Candy PTBO Raises $16,700 For PRHC Foundation Cancer Care

Couture Candy PTBO’s community fundraiser supporting Cancer Care is Sweet raised $16,700 for cancer care at the Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) announced Thursday.

PRHC Foundation staff Meghan Moloney (left) and Valerie Gagnon (left-middle) accept a cheque for $16,700 from Couture Candy PTBO owner Lisa Couture (right-middle). The cheque represents the proceeds of Couture Candy PTBO’s “Supporting Cancer is Sweet” fundraiser in support of cancer care at Peterborough Regional Health Centre. Photo courtesy of PRHC.

Inspired by her many customers who come into Couture Candy PTBO looking to send a treat to someone impacted by the disease, owner Lisa Couture wanted to do something to give back to the community.

In June of 2022, she launched the Supporting Cancer Care is Sweet campaign, with a goal of $10,000. When it quickly became clear they would surpass their goal, Couture raised it to $15,000.

She says she’s blown away by the community’s response.

“We hoped we would hit our goal but to get so far past it has been absolutely amazing,” said Couture. “I am so grateful to my amazing team, the businesses who supported and the Peterborough community for believing in us and supporting this amazing ‘give back’ campaign.”

From mid-June until Oct. 3, Couture Candy PTBO donated a portion of the proceeds from over 10 of their most popular products to the campaign.

In September, Couture took Rob Conley, Lansdowne Place’s specialty leasing manager, up on their offer to donate a free month to the cause, opening a second “pop-up” location that helped drive her success.

They also collected donations, displaying names and messages from donors throughout the store and held ice cream fundraisers throughout the summer with Central Smith Creamery.

The community quickly rallied behind the cause, with friend Justin Armitage holding a haircut challenge and raising $2,125 and Whelan’s Flooring’s donation of $1,000.

Lesley Heighway, foundation president and CEO of the PHRC Foundation says they’ll help save lives by supporting state-of-the-art cancer care equipment and technology for PRHC.

“The number of patients from Peterborough and the surrounding region who rely on PRHC for cancer treatment continues to climb every year,” said Heighway. “Your donations are helping our hospital serve more cancer patients, support earlier cancer diagnosis, and provide safer, more effective treatments.”

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"Cancer Takedown" Event to Fundraise for Cancer Care Coming to Market Hall

“Cancer Takedown” is fundraising for local cancer care through performances and storytelling on Nov. 16 at Market Hall Performance Centre.

Linda Kash is well-known for her role as the Kraft Philadelphia Cream Cheese Angel. File photo.

Cancer Takedown is an evening of song, story and solidarity, with all proceeds from ticket sales going to Cancer Care at the Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC).

The night will be MC’d by m Linda Kash and Megan Murphy, featuring stories shared by people with cancer and performances from local musicians Kate Suhr, Melissa Payne and their bands, musical director Anthony Bastianon and Denise Oucharek. It will be an opportunity to rally the community and provide hope.

Cancer Takedown is organized by husband and wife Rick and Amy Kemp. Rick has been a patient of PRHC since 2019 when he was diagnosed with metastatic kidney cancer. In May 2021 his battle doubled as he was diagnosed with a second primary cancer, central nervous system (CNS) lymphoma.

For Rick and others living with cancer, there are good days, and there are days when the battle is much more emotional than physical. The Kemp’s idea for Cancer Takedown was born out of those darker days, even referring to the show as being a “spirit-raiser” as much as a fundraiser.

“The goal of Cancer Takedown is twofold. One is to raise funds. The other is to raise spirits for those battling cancer and the people helping them in their journey,” said Rick.

Tickets are $30 for general seating, and $50 for cabaret and can be purchased at: https://www.markethall.org.

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Local Man Raises Over $2,100 With Haircut Towards Cancer Research

It may be the most rewarding haircut for Justin Armitage as he raised over $2,100 in support of Peterborough Regional Health Center Foundation for cancer care on Tuesday afternoon.

Armitage is a former coworker and a longtime friend of Couture Candy PTBO owner Lisa Couture. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The money is going towards Couture Candy PTBO’s fundraiser campaign with a goal of $10,000 (which has already been reached).

Armitage raised money as a tribute to a friend he lost to cancer roughly a decade ago.

“It was a hard thing to deal with,” he said. “This is just a great way to make me keep his memory alive and makes me feel like I'm contributing to something.”

@ptbo_canada Justin Armitage raised over $2,100 to help @couturecandyptbo and their $10,000 fundraiser for the Peterborough Regional Health Centre Foundation for Cancer Care! #ptbo #ptbocanada #cancer #haircut #fundraiser #fundraise #hair #couture #candy #cancerresearch ♬ Whatta Man (feat. En Vogue) - Salt 'N' Pepa

Armitage began his haircut by getting his ponytail cut off in front of Couture Candy PTBO. The rest was completed at men’s clothing store, barber, bar and café Providence.

He reached out to friends, family and other potential donors roughly a week and a half prior to the haircut.

“I'm sure my family and friends are tired of hearing from me over the last few days so there were a lot of texts and phone calls,” laughed Armitage. “But a lot of it was social media and run through that with peers, friends and whoever wanted to contribute.”

He plans to donate the ponytail to Locks of Love to help children suffering from medical hair loss by making a hairpiece from it.

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