Lantern campaign to benefit cancer foundation
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Updated: August 04, 2009 12:15 PM
Barbara Tolmie, 68, was diagnosed with breast cancer 12 years ago. She said it was an "earth shattering," discovery but soon learned she still had a lot of living to do.
She joined the Island Breast Strokers dragon boat team four years ago.
"First of all, to improve my own fitness after cancer and to show that there is life after breast cancer ... not just physically but mentally and emotionally," she said.
She's helping promote the annual Lights of Courage campaign that coincides with the Dragon Boat Festival taking place in the Inner Harbour Aug. 14 to 16.
Colourful paper lanterns are on sale at Fairway Market stores and at the Dragon Boat Festival for $2 each.
Each lantern comes with a card where people can write a story dedicated to a loved one.
"It's a light for people to focus on," said David Cutler with the Victoria Dragon Boat Festival Society.
The lanterns will be displayed at the festival.
"They'll bring tears to your eyes," said Kyman Chan with the B.C. Cancer Foundation. "I had to stop reading them after a while. I was getting quite emotional."
Last year, the campaign raised $13,000. All proceeds benefit the B.C. Cancer Foundation.
lweighton@vicnews.com
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