In an effort to maintain a positive attitude and to raise awareness about the importance of breast cancer screening, Chatham-Kent Councillor Melissa Harrigan has partnered with the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance Foundation (CKHAF) to set a fundraising goal of $10,000 in support of Breast Assessment/Mammography in the Diagnostic Imaging Department at Chatham-Kent Health Alliance (CKHA).
Foundation officials say proceeds from Harrigan’s ‘Her Fight is Our Fight’ campaign will support the purchase of a new VELA Mammography Chair, which is optimized for patients who need to sit down during breast examinations.
Additional funds will be used to support cosmetic enhancements to the Mammography room at CKHA, helping to make the space more relaxing and ‘spa-like’.
A campaign website has been launched and can be found at: https://give.classy.org/HerFightIsOurFight
“This campaign formally connects the T-shirt campaign run by Mark and Lynn Authier, to my own goals for our community hospital, and some initiatives I have planned to fundraise towards the $10,000 goal,” Harrigan said, in a media release.
“Making my cancer journey positive and impactful is important for me, my family, and the community around me.”
Foundation officials say individuals can go to the website to find information about how to order a shirt, or make a direct donation to the foundation dedicated to the ‘Her Fight is Our Fight’ cause.
“We are so inspired by Melissa’s courage, strength, and commitment to make things better for others,” stated Mary Lou Crowley, CKHAF President & CEO, in a media release.
“This is such an important cause that affects women of all ages, so Melissa’s passion for this community and her decision to raise funds for Breast Assessment/Mammography at CKHA will have a profound impact on so many women from across Chatham-Kent.”
The campaign will be live for as long as Melissa is in active treatment, which is anticipated to be in mid to late 2023, Foundation officials added.
Municipality of Chatham-Kent officials announced in December that Councillor Harrigan has Invasive Ductal Carcinoma.
Her diagnosis came last week following a battery of tests, Municipal officials said.
“I have breast cancer,” Councillor Harrigan stated, in a media release last month.
“It’s difficult to say but sharing it makes me feel less alone and true to the way I have conducted my personal and professional life, with transparency and advocacy.”
Councillor Harrigan added: “I found a lump on my breast two years ago and have been monitoring it. Recently a very close friend of mine was diagnosed with breast cancer, and I felt an internal call to action to advocate for further testing for my own condition to establish a base line. I am glad I did. 28,600 Canadian women will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year. I never thought my name would make it in the count. The news was shocking and unexpected but now it’s time to shift gears to a plan. It is very early days in this journey, with details of a comprehensive treatment approach from my treating physicians still to come.”
Harrigan’s leave of absence from her duties as a Chatham-Kent Councillor became official on Monday, January 16, 2023.
Council unanimously approved the following staff recommendations regarding Harrigan’s leave:
– In accordance with Section 259 (1) of the Municipal Act, Melissa Harrigan, Councillor for West Kent Ward 1, be authorized to be absent from regular and special meetings of Council for a period of three successive months or more unless otherwise advised by Council.
– Councillor Melissa Harrigan be authorized to be absent from Committee and Local Board meetings for a period of three successive months or more unless otherwise advised by Council.
– The following Councillors be appointed to the Committees/Local Board for up to a six month period during Councillor Harrigan’s absence: Audit & Risk Committee, Councillor Brock McGregor; CAO Performance Review & Compensation Committee, Councillor Aaron Hall; Chatham-Kent Board of Health, Councillor Alysson Storey; Tilbury BIA, Councillor Anthony Ceccacci.
– In the fifth month of absence, should Councillor Harrigan not yet be returned to active status, that Council would receive a progress report from Councillor Harrigan as described in this report, such that Council could prepare for Councillor Harrigan’s return to duties or determine the appropriateness of an extension following the six month period.
– Councillor Harrigan’s council compensation and benefit entitlement continue during this approved leave, with review also at the end of the six month period.
Harrigan’s colleagues sported pink ‘Her Fight is Our Fight’ t-shirts at Monday’s Council meeting as well.
A staff report indicates Chatham-Kent Council had not experienced a ‘leave of absence’ of a Councillor for more than three consecutive months.
Municipal officials sat the City of Ottawa shared their experience regarding leave of absences for Councillors and provided information for the purpose of preparing a report.
The full report can be read, here.
