Thanks for the support Picture Butte Community Cancer Walk

Dear Editor:
I want to thank the 600 residents of Picture Butte who came out to support the Picture Butte Community Cancer Walk on June 6.
In my 13 years as the executive director of the Canadian Cancer Society, Alberta/NWT Division — I have never seen another community rally together quite like yours in the fight for life.
As a cancer survivor, I am deeply touched by your outpouring of support for all Albertans and Canadians living with cancer now and in the future.
Generous supporters like you are helping the Canadian Cancer Society achieve our two-pronged mission — to do everything we can to eradicate cancer and to enhance the quality of life of people living with cancer.
While the society is the largest charitable funder of cancer research in Canada, investing around $40 million annually, we also make it a top priority to support everyone living with cancer.
When you choose to donate to the society, not only are you investing in the very best cancer research that continues to result in new ways to better prevent, treat and beat cancer — you are also ensuring your family, friends, neighbours, and fellow Albertans and Canadians who have been touched by this devastating disease.
The society’s emotional, practical and financial support programs are provided free of charge thanks to our donors and volunteers, and are available to all Canadians — regardless of where they live.
I want to let all Picture Butte residents, who are living with cancer, know about the support available to them.
The Canadian Cancer Society is in your corner by ensuring you have:
* a safe, reliable and free ride to and from your treatment appointments at your nearest cancer centre, as well as financial assistance to help cover transportation and accommodation expenses when you have to travel away from home to receive treatment;
* caring peer support from a survivor or caregiver who has shared a similar cancer journey and can offer emotional comfort and practical advice about living with cancer;
* the most current and reliable cancer information, available in many different languages, that will empower you to make decisions about your cancer journey; and,
* access to practical and confidence-boosting items, such as wigs and temporary breast prostheses.
Again, I sincerely thank you for your long-standing dedication to the fight against cancer, including your most recent participation in the Picture Butte Community Cancer Walk.
It is your support that ensures people living with cancer have access to the very best treatments they need to survive, as well as the unique support they need most throughout their cancer journey.
If you would like to learn more about how your donation is invested or about the support programs we provide, please visit cancer.ca or contact the Canadian Cancer Society at 403-327-5452.
Dan Holinda is the executive director of the Canadian Cancer Society, Alberta/Northwest Territories Division, a three-time cancer survivor and a proud cancer fighter.

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