A fundraising barbecue on Saturday will go to cancer research.
The barbecue, to be held in front of Nesters in Summerland from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., is being organized by a Summerland team in the Canadian Cancer Society’s Relay for Life cancer fundraiser.
Rachel Hoey, who is heading up the Carson’s Cuties team in the relay, became involved after watching her son Carson battling cancer several years ago.
Carson was diagnosed with neuroblastoma in his right chest when he was two years old.
Hoey said it was difficult for her to watch as he spent three months at Children’s Hospital in Vancouver, going through more tests than many will experience in a lifetime.
“It is the most heartbreaking thing for a mother to have to watch,” Hoey said. “Now I am devoting so much time and energy to do whatever it takes to fight back against a disease that has affected so many people and too many children’s lives.”
Carson made a recovery and today is a happy, healthy and energetic boy.
Donations will be accepted at the barbecue. In addition, donation containers are set up at Giant’s Head Auto, Hair It Is Salon, Murray’s Pizza, Nesters Market, Revenue Canada, Summerland and District Credit Union and Van Houtte.
Donations can also be made online at relayforlife.kintera.org. Follow the links to the Penticton relay and to the Carson’s Cuties team.
The Relay for Life will take place May 28 to 29 at the Pen-Hi Track in Penticton. The event runs from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m.