FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. – Adaura Cayford’s family will not let her be forgotten and encourage the Peace Region to honour her legacy on July 1st.
The Cayford family wants the community to don purple to celebrate the nine-year-old who has brought the region together.
Adaura passed away on July 1st, 2020, after her battle with Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG). Her family has shared their story to raise awareness for the inoperable and fatal brain tumour found in children.
“Adaura’s entire family is eternally grateful to everyone in the Fort St. John region and beyond, who offered their time, donations, love, support, thoughts, and prayers to help them through this incredibly difficult time, and they are inviting everyone to join them in celebrating Adaura’s beautiful happy life,” said Brandy Patterson on behalf of the family in an email Wednesday.
An invite-only service is also being held at Woodlawn Cemetery during the day to unveil Adaura’s memorial stone. Patterson says anyone wishing to visit the memorial can drive through after the service between 11:15 a.m. to 11: 45 a.m.
Tenacious Detail is also hosting a fundraiser BBQ for Adaura’s family and raising awareness of a national ePetition calling on the federal government to declare May 17th National DIPG Awareness Day.
Last month, the community rallied behind the Cayford family as they encouraged residents to sign the petition. Local dignitaries joined in, including the City of Fort St. John Mayor and Council and MP Bob Zimmer. The city had also lit up the Centennial Park stage gold on May 17th in support.
The family also asks the community to join the #TheKindnessRocksProject by painting and displaying rocks throughout the city.
“Adaura’s family hopes these rocks will connect and uplift others with images of the things Adaura loved: the colour purple, watching movies, playing soccer, dancing in the kitchen, Sunday morning pancakes, swimming at the beach, adventures with her family, and her Daschund Oreo,” said Patterson.
A memorial garden at Adaura’s childhood home has rocks painted by her classmates at Ecole Central Elementary School.
Those who display and find Adaura’s rocks are encouraged to share photos on social media using #Adaura.
For more information surrounding the events on July 1st, head to ‘Adaura’s Brave Fight’ on Facebook.
Anyone looking to sign the petition to make May 17th National DIPG Awareness Day that closes on September 10th, click here.
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