A Chatham-Kent municipal councilor, who is publicly sharing her journey battling breast cancer, has decided how she wants a fundraiser she inspired to help others.
In an effort to maintain a positive attitude and to raise awareness about the importance of breast cancer screening, Melissa Harrigan has partnered with the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance Foundation to set a fundraising goal of $10,000 in support of breast assessment/mammography in diagnostic imaging department at Chatham-Kent Health Alliance, states a media release.
Harrigan, 35, announced in mid-December she is undergoing treatment for invasive ductal carcinoma.
Earlier this month, T-shirts with the slogan ‘Her fight is our fight,’ that Harrigan asked long-time friends Mark and Lynn Authier to make for close family and friends to wear while she undergoes chemotherapy treatments, were soon sought after by many in the community.
The Authiers, who own Authier Print and Promotional, decided to take orders and sell the T-shirts as part of a fundraiser.
Harrigan previously said she wanted the proceeds to go to local health-care needs so the proceeds from the Her Fight is Our Fight campaign will support the purchase of a new VELA mammography chair, which is optimized for patients who need to sit down during breast examinations , states the media release.
Additional funds will be used to support cosmetic enhancements to the mammography room at the CKHA, helping to make the space more relaxing and “spa-like”. A campaign website has been launched at www.classy.org/campaign/her-fight-is-our-fight/c458551.
“This campaign formally connects the T-shirt campaign run by Mark and Lynn Authier, to my own goals for our community hospital, and some initiatives I have planned to fundraise towards the $10,000 goal,” said Harrigan in the release.
“Making my cancer journey positive and impactful is important for me, my family, and the community around me,” she added.
Individuals can go to the website to find information about how to order a shirt, or make a direct donation to the foundation dedicated to the “Her Fight is Our Fight” cause.
“We are so inspired by Melissa’s courage, strength, and commitment to make things better for others,” said Mary Lou Crowley, foundation president and CEO.
“This is such an important cause that affects women of all ages, so Melissa’s passion for this community and her decision to raise funds for breast assessment/mammography at CKHA will have a profound impact on so many women from across Chatham-Kent,” she added.
The campaign will be live for as long as Harrigan is in active treatment, which is anticipated to be in mid to late 2023.