Purple Ribbon Walk set for tomorrow
Like every year, tomorrow’s Purple Ribbon Walk will start with a lap honouring survivors. File photo
Community members have been selling luminaries and preparing their groups for the 2025 edition of the Purple Ribbon Walk/Tetewatatia’takéhnhahs, set to take place tomorrow evening (Saturday) at Karonhianónhnha School.
“It means a lot to our committee to know that so many people support our efforts to help those battling cancer. Since the group began, we have been fortunate to receive several donations from community members,” said Anna Mae Rice, one of the seven Tetewatatia’takéhnhahs committee members who organize the walk. “It shows the trust they have in us and their strong belief in what we are doing.”
Each year, community members raise funds, including by selling luminaries in memory of loved ones who have battled cancer, and in tickets for the half-and-half fundraiser. Funds go towards supporting those facing cancer with the associated costs.
“Our name Tetewatatia’takéhnhahs means ‘We help each other,’ and our community helps us to help others with their donations and support of our fundraising events,” Rice said.
The money raised helps to fund costs that many might not realize come with a cancer diagnosis - the cost of travel to and from hospital appointments, wigs, prosthetics, and unfunded medications or medical supplies as well as household expenses such as utilities, groceries, rent, and cable.
“Every request and need is different. All that is required is a letter to our committee letting us know what’s needed,” Rice said. “It’s important to note that every request is also confidential.”
As always, the event will kick off with a lap dedicated to survivors at 6 p.m. After that first lap, everyone else is invited to join, and this year, beloved characters Tóta and Ohkwá:ri will be in attendance, with more food, music, and fun for all ages until the event ends at 11 p.m.
Anyone in active treatment in need of support or financial assistance can reach out to any of the Tetewatatia’takéhnhahs committee members (Tricia Leborgne, Helen Montour, Anna Mae Rice, Candida Rice, Lisa Sky, Terri Thomas, and Trudy Thomas) for more information, and messages and requests for assistance can also be sent to the group’s Facebook page or by mail to post office box 1256.
Volunteers are also welcome to help support the event and can get involved by reaching out to committee members – volunteers are specifically needed for the take down and cleanup that will take place on Sunday.
