Recently one our fire families learned that their son, Braden was diagnosed with Osteogenic Sarcoma Cancer. This cancer is rare and the effects so far include Braden having his knee removed and undergoing chemotherapy.

When Chatham-Kent Fire Station #16 – Raleigh South learned of this, the firefighters immediately visited Braden with a basket of gifts and words of encouragement. Station Chief Brian Pepper told the Russell family that “they would get through this together.” He was pledging his firefighters support to them.

Brian went on to gather a team to organize a golf tournament fundraiser that took place on Sunday, September 25th. He said, “This is a community issue, and it is time for the community to step up.” Members of the community, co-workers from both the fire department and St. Clair College, family members, neighbours and friends came to support the event.

The organizing committee included Brian and Sue Pepper, Renee Handsor, Ashley Scott, Becky Pepper, Larry Keenen, Doug Jackson, Mike Jenner, Murray Walker and Mike Segeren. These committee members along with several volunteers who assisted with food preparation, gathering prizes, printing programs and sponsor lists, bartending, helping with the auctions and serving at the dinner made the event a success.

There were 38 teams that played in the tournament and approximately 400 – 450 people were served a pork roast dinner in rotation at Merlin Community Hall with an added tent.

A live and silent auction, a “putting for Braden” contest, closest to the pin contest, and sponsoring of golf holes were used to raise much-needed funds. These events along with the profits from the dinner raised approximately $22,000 dollars. This money will go to support the many financial requirements associated with fighting this childhood cancer. Travelling, medical expenses that are not covered by OHIP such as Braden’s prosthetic requirements, physiotherapy and a future “hockey leg” are some of the needs to date.

The Russell family shared with us that the Scarff Family from Mississauga have been a great encouragement to them as they mentored them in their journey. Fifteen year old Erica Scarff also had Osteogenic Sarcoma Cancer and has been through what Braden is experiencing. The Scarffs came alongside the Russells and gave them insight and guidance along the way. Erica has been cancer free for two years now and has started her own charity, Erica’s Wish. Each month 20 Erica’s Wish blankets are given to SickKids. When a child is admitted to Oncology, they will receive a blanket. These blankets are intended to bring comfort to the children. To find out more about her charity please visit www.ericaswish.com.

Special thanks to everyone who participated in the event, gave donations of food and money, provided live and silent auction items and sponsored holes in the golf tournament all these contributions provided the opportunity for the event to raise such a generous amount.

The Russell Family requested that we extend their sincere appreciation for all of the support, encouragement and kindness that has been extended to them. They are overwhelmed with gratitude that words cannot express.

Below is a photo gallery of the day’s events. To find out more about the fight against childhood cancer go to www.childcan.on.ca.

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