Event benefits cancer care

Decoa Harder (left), Jeff Harder and Jay Paulson (right), with Ex Nihilo Vineyards, present $5,500 to Chantelle Funk, with the B.C. Cancer Foundation, for the Managing Life with Cancer program. A total of $9,600 was raised at the Titz-Elation costume party.

Photo submitted

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A Lake Country winery has rallied behind women who are battling cancer.

Ex Nihilo Vineyards raised $9,600 at its third annual Titz-Elation, a women’s only costume party.

“Our community was about to lose a very special program called Managing Life with Cancer, due to lack of funding,” said Decoa Harder, winery owner.

“After speaking with individuals who had taken the program, we felt committed to do what we could to keep it available in our community.”

Additional funds from the event will go to female cancer patients who have young children.

“There are moms in our community who are suddenly experiencing additional financial strain, such as childcare, loss of work, travel expenses, etc, as they pursue treatments for some very aggressive cancers,” said Harder.

“Our goal is to take a little bit of financial stress away, so they can focus on healing and get back to being mom. We feel every little bit helps.”

Managing Life With Cancer is a course offered to cancer patients and their support persons.

Participants will explore a variety of topics related to cancer care and coping. Topics include understanding the mind-body connection; stress-reduction techniques; managing energy; identifying personal strengths and health-enhancing goals; and effective ways to communicate about cancer with family, friends and the medical community.