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Paddling event raises money to fund cancer care support

Skier Kristi Richards will participate in a paddling event to raise funds for InspireHealth and integrative cancer care in B.C.

When Olympic freestyle mogul skier Kristi Richards, dips her paddle into English Bay on Aug. 24, she will be joining paddlers of all levels to raise funds for InspireHealth and integrative cancer care in British Columbia.

This fundraising challenge is open to the public and holds very special significance for the participants, most of whom, have been touched by cancer, either directly or indirectly.

Many are cancer survivors themselves or living with a diagnosis of cancer, and others are paddling as a unique way to support or honour a loved one.

Richards is from Summerland and her personal connection with InspireHealth comes from going through the program as a support person for her father, who was a patient of InspireHealth.

“Relief comes from knowing that my father had a centre point for his diagnosis and the treatments he wanted to explore, and an integrative plan for his life and recovery,” said Richards.

“I am pleased to be involved with Paddle with InspireHealth to raise funds for integrative cancer care, and especially to be doing it with my father.”

InspireHealth helps to work with their patients and their family supporters to engage in support of their own health, through nutrition, exercise and emotional and spiritual well-being. While InspireHealth receives partial funding from the Ministry of Health, the day-to-day operational costs all come from fundraising efforts and donors.

Paddle with InspireHealth is the largest fundraiser of the year for InspireHealth, with a fundraising goal of $35,000.

The event involves community engagement, fun physical activity, and team building and support.

For more information on the event please visit  www.inspirehealth.ca/paddle-vancouver.