Imagine this: you've recently graduated from high school or university, maybe you've made a junior level hockey team, or received a scholarship to play a sport at a prestigious school, or you just started an incredible job that you love. Maybe you have just moved out on your own for the first time. You have your whole adult life ahead of you.
But your whole life gets turned upside down when you receive news that you have been diagnosed with cancer. Now, because you are over 18 years old, you are no longer given the comforts of the Stollery and you receive your treatments at the Cross Cancer Institute. Since you are receiving treatments and your family and friends need to continue to work and go to school, you quickly feel disconnected from the world.
Now try to think about what you could possibly need to help you through this. Maybe something for comfort - your own blanket, perhaps? You're in and out of the hospital frequently for varying lengths of time, so some luggage may come in handy. What about passing the time while you wait for visitors or the days you can't have visitors because of the risk of infection is too great? An iPad and headphones to stay connected with family and friends, watch a movie, or play a game would be helpful.
This is what the Matt Cook Foundation provides in their CARES Package. Each package is designed to help make that person's stay just a little more bearable. But each package is over $2000. Every dollar we raise goes directly to people in need. Not a single dollar goes to administration fees to pay someone to organize the events and fundraising as you see with some of the larger charity events. There is nothing wrong with these charities as they are all doing amazing things to help people, but our little event is directly helping people in Edmonton, and hopefully expanding across the province.
I have been involved in planning and playing in The 24 Hour Charity Challenge in support of the Matt Cook Foundation since its inception. Matt and I met at Edges PSI Summer Camps as young kids and his fight always reminds me to find joy in everything, live each day to its fullest, and never give up no matter the circumstances. This year's event will take place on April 3 and 4, 2020, in Edmonton at the Canadian Athletic Club Arena.
My goal is to raise $500 through pledges. Every dollar counts - whether you skip your Starbucks latte this week to give us a $5 donation, or pledge over $25 to receive a tax receipt, or maybe you can donate $2000 for an entire CARES Package. Please help me reach my goal.
The Matt Cook Foundation depends on private donations to fulfill its mandates. It’s up to us to make the difference. All funds raised will help the Matt Cook Foundation provide support for these young people through the programs they offer. Please pledge me your support – any amount helps!Donors who pledge over $25 will receive a tax receipt. Please join me in helping me reach my goal.
The Matt Cook Foundation depends on private donations to fulfill its mandates. It’s up to us to make the difference. All funds raised will help the Matt Cook Foundation provide support for these young people through the programs they offer. Please pledge me your support – any amount helps!