Fort St. John Cancer Support Circle Society raises awareness at Totem Mall

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. – Members of the Fort St. John Cancer Support Circle Society say they want to raise awareness of the services they offer and the work they do.

The society held an event at the Totem Mall on Thursday, showcasing all its programs and services.

“So many people still don’t know that we even have a cancer support group,” explains co-founder Brenda Baumeister.

Launched in early 2018, Baumeister says the society offers mental, physical and emotional support for anyone affected by cancer, including caregivers.

“We also have a wig program, which allows people to lend wigs from us, and it’s for anybody that’s had any hair loss at all,” she says. “We also have scarves as well.”

According to Baumeister, the society supports people all over the Peace region, in communities like Dawson Creek, Tumbler Ridge, Fort Nelson and more.

Another member, Kelly Fell, is preparing to take part in Bluey Day, an upcoming fundraiser for the Fort St. John Hospital Foundation.

This year’s Bluey Day event is raising money to buy an MRI Body Coil, a scanning tool used to detect tumours and other health problems in the abdomen, pelvis, hip, prostate, cervix and uterus.

“I put together a raffle this year called ‘Kelly’s Bluey Days,’ and all the money collected goes back to the Bluey Days campaign,” Fell says.

“They’re $20 each. We’ve got some wonderful prizes that have all been donated by local businesses.”

Baumeister and Fell will be at the Totem Mall until 4:00 p.m. to help residents learn more about the society.

Baumeister encourages people who can’t attend to follow the Fort St. John Cancer Support Circle Society on Facebook for updates and information on its programs.

Fell, meanwhile, says residents who want to enter her Kelly’s Blue Days raffle can call her at 778-256-7166.