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Abbotsford family participates in fundraiser for melanoma patients

Move for Melanoma supports lost wages, uncovered treatment costs and more
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Shannon Gaudette of Abbotsford will be participating in the Move for Melanoma fundraiser on Saturday, Sept. 26 along with husband Brad and daughter Madeline (pictured), as well as nephew Josh. (Submitted photo)

An Abbotsford woman who survived Stage 4 cancer is participating on Saturday, Sept. 26 in an event that raises money for the Save Your Skin Foundation.

Shannon Gaudette and her family are hiking the 14-kilometre Norvan Falls Trail in North Vancouver as part of the virtual Move for Melanoma event.

All the money raised goes supports Canadians who have melanoma, non-melanoma skin cancer and ocular melanoma with things like uncovered treatment costs, lost wages, child care, transportation and accommodation while receiving treatment.

Gaudette was first diagnosed with melanoma 15 years ago.

RELATED: ‘It’s not always a big, ugly mole’: B.C. doctor urges sunscreen, shade to prevent skin cancer

Her Stage 4 diagnosis came when she was six months pregnant. The cancer had spread to her brain, lungs and liver.

Since then, she has had nine surgeries, three systemic treatments, four separate radiation treatments, countless scans, and numerous blood transfusions and iron infusions. She is now tumour-free.

Gaudette and her team – husband Brad, daughter Madeline and nephew Josh – have so far (as of Sept. 22) raised almost $1,400.

The total goal for Move for Melanoma is $25,000. The event invites participants to choose an activity, fundraise, and complete the activity on Sept. 26 or 27.

Visit saveyourskin.akaraisin.com/ui/moveformelanoma2020 to register or for more information.

A donation to Gaudette’s team can be made by clicking on the “donate” link at the top of the page and searching for “Team Gaudette.



Vikki Hopes

About the Author: Vikki Hopes

I have been a journalist for almost 40 years, and have been at the Abbotsford News since 1991.
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