Dinner and auction to help cancer patients
by Paula Levy
source: southshorenow.ca
published: April 21, 2009
The Rose Fund committee is hosting its second annual dinner and auction on May 2 at the Bridgewater Legion.
The Rose Fund began in memory of Rosanne Himmelman. The Wileville woman's battle with metastatic colon cancer became known in the community through a series of articles in this newspaper called "Rosanne's Journey."
The 12-part series chronicled the 38-year-old woman's struggle. Rosanne died on February 8, 2005.
"She would be pleased and thankful that we're carrying on plans that she wasn't able to do," said Rosanne's mother and chairwoman of the committee, Maxine Himmelman.
The money raised is donated to cancer patients to help alleviate the financial burden that a diagnosis of cancer can bring to South Shore patients.
Mrs. Himmelman said over the past few years the committee has donated nearly $13,000 to patients for necessities such as over-the-counter medications, heat and travel expenses for cancer appointments.
It's those type of expenses that Rosanne saw were taking their toll on cancer patients. Although she did not struggle financially, she saw first-hand how the disease caused financial worry for patients.
Rosanne dreamed that one day she would be well enough to create a foundation to help the patients that no one else would. Her dream continues today in the funds raised by the committee.
Mrs. Himmelman said palliative care physician Dr. David Abriel will entertain during the dinner and musician Meghan Walsh will also be making an appearance. Mayor Don Downe is emceeing the event.
Mrs. Himmelman said the auction items are coming together and the committee looks forward to another successful year. Last year the event raised about $13,000. For more information call 543-9746.
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