Friends and family will be joining three cancer survivors in their quest to raise funds for cancer research.
The team is named Jodi’s Jets, after hockey mom Jodi Breitkruz, who is currently facing treatment for breast cancer.
Two other cancer survivors, Carson Hoey and Melanie Walker, will also be joining the other 16 team members as they try to raise awareness and funds for cancer research.
Lead organizer Rachel Hoey, says the team members are excited about three planned fund raisers. On April 13 and May 18, the team will be hosting a barbecue event between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. in front of Nesters in Summerland.
On June 1, a car wash will be held between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. at Giant’s Head Automotive Services on Main Street.
All proceeds will be going to the Canadian Cancer Society’s relay for life fundraiser.
Hoey understands well the sacrifice and change that a cancer diagnosis can bring. Her son, Carson, was diagnosed at two years of age with neuroblastoma in his right chest.
He made a complete recovery and is back enjoying life as any child should.
She said it was difficult to watch her son go through the three months of treatment at Children’s Hospital in Vancouver.
Now she devotes her time and effort into cancer research fundraising.
Hoey says that this past winter, the hockey community rallied around both Breitkruz and Walker, as both hockey moms were diagnosed and faced breast cancer treatment in Kelowna.
Walker’s treatment has recently been completed while Breitkruz is partially through hers.
Donations will be collected at the barbecues and car wash, at Hair it is Hair Salon and Giant’s Head Automotive in Summerland or at convio.cancer.ca/site/PageServer?pagename =RFL_CAN_NATL_homepage&s_locale=en_CA by selecting Make A Donation and then searching for Jodi’s Jets team.
The Relay for Life will be held at the Penticton Secondary School track June 15 and 16 from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m.