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Saturday’s Victoria walk raises funds for free cancer support

Half of Canadians will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime
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InspireHealth staff and clients prepare for the Rain Walk in 2018. (Keri Coles/News staff))

Statistics show that half of Canadians will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime, and one-quarter of Canadians will die from the disease. These are sobering numbers and a B.C. non-profit is looking to make life better for those affected by the widespread burden.

InspireHealth is an organization that supports over 3,500 patients and their families each year through and beyond their cancer diagnosis. Its services include exercise therapy, stress management, nutrition and counselling services; all of which are offered free of charge.

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While they are partially funded by the Ministry of Health, InspireHealth has to fundraise the remainder of their budget, to a tune of $1 million annually.

One of their main annual fundraising events is the 5-km Rain Walk, which returns to Victoria on Saturday, March 9 for its third year.

The non-competitive, family-friendly 5-km walk raises much-needed funds for the InspireHealth supportive cancer care centre in Oak Bay.

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“We are very privileged to offer such comprehensive supportive cancer care services in B.C., at no charge to patients and their loved ones. However, we are continually told from our new patients that they wish they had learned about InspireHealth sooner,” said Rachel Mark, clinical director, InspireHealth Victoria. “This event raises awareness and much-needed funds for this critical support service located right here on your doorstep in Victoria.”

InspireHealth was founded in 1997 by two medical doctors in Vancouver, and now has additional centres in both Victoria and Kelowna. It provides programs and services to enhance quality of life, health and well-being of people living with and beyond a cancer diagnosis.

To find out more about InspireHealth, to make a donation, or to sign up for the Rain Walk, visit www.inspirehealth.ca or call 250 595 7125.

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InspireHealth RainWalk

When: Saturday, March 9

Event time: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Where: Glenlyon Norfolk Middle & Senior School gymnasium, 801 Bank St.

To register: www.inspirehealth.ca/rainwalk


 
keri.coles@blackpress.ca

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