By Adam Brazeau
CORNWALL, Ontario – What makes this yard sale different from the norm is that 100 per cent of the proceeds will be donated to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation.
The Cullens for the Cure yard sale at 1411 Jane Street in Riverdale is aiming to fight cancer on Saturday, August 30, beginning at 7 a.m.
Five nieces have rallied together to fundraise in honour of their Aunt Sam – Sandra Tyron, 55, whose maiden name is Cullen. She was diagnosed with evasive breast cancer in November 2013.
“Instead of sitting on the sidelines, our family decided to fight back and registered for the Run for the Cure, which lead to our fundraising yard sale,” said Kelli Shaver, event co-organizer.
On October 5, Mandy MacDonald O’Byrne, Christine Shaver, Bailie Grant, Ashley MacDonald, and Kelli, will be lacing up as a team at the Run for the Cure event at Tunney’s Pasture in Ottawa.
All the money raised from the yard sale will be added to the pledges they’re gathering for the run.
“Having a positive attitude is half the battle won, good care and the love and support of your family makes the journey easier,” said Tyron. “I am very proud of all my nieces for getting involved and hopefully making a difference.”
Last year, an estimated 23,800 Canadian women and 200 Canadian men were diagnosed with breast cancer, according to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation.
“I quite honestly knew of cancer but was one of those people that said it would never happen to me,” she said. “I encourage everyone to make sure they have annual checkups and insist on mammograms.”
On December 24, 2013, Tyron had a lumpectomy, a surgical operation in which a lump is removed from the breast. Then, after a two-week break, she underwent radiation for 21 straight days.
On September 2, Tyron will be going for her first appointment since finishing all the treatments. She remains optimistic, and says “it all looks good.”
“I believe that the more people who do get involved and get the facts on cancer, through whatever form, is a step in the right direction,” said Tyron.
To preview what items will be for sale at the event, search Cullens for the Cure YARD SALE on Facebook.
For more information on the event or to donate items, contact Kelli at kelli_shaver@hotmail.com or 613-362-1835.
Anyone who would like to donate directly to the team can do so by visiting http://www.runforthecure.com/site/TR/?fr_id=1907&pg=pfind and searching the name “Cullens for the Cure.”