10 years ago this month, Melissa Garton lost her good friend Katherine Voets-Keating to breast cancer.
To remember her friend, she organized “Cut for Katherine” with the proceeds going to the Chatham-Kent Hospice Hope Chest Campaign.
“She was only 36, and left behind a husband and three young children, as well as many other family and friends,” said Melissa.
“She was able to die at home surrounded by her loved ones. I have chosen the hospice as the recipient to support people who, for whatever reason, aren’t able to do the same.”
Over the last few weeks, she has been collecting pledges and on May 20th, cut off her shoulder-length hair. So far she has raised over $1,200 which will purchase more than a dozen items to be used in the residential hospice currently under construction.
“What Melissa has done is fantastic! The funds will be used to purchase furniture and equipment to help make the hospice a home,” said Jodi Maroney, Director of Development for Chatham-Kent Hospice.
“Our goal with the Hope Chest Campaign is to raise $200,000 to offset the cost of all the necessary items and with Melissa’s help, we have raised just over $40,000.”
A list of items needed can be found at www.chathamkenthospice.com, by calling 519-354-3113 or pick up an information package at your local municipal service centre.
