The 11th Annual Gaetane Harvey Memorial Walk concluded this past weekend on Sunday, September 21st, marking another significant chapter in a journey that began over a decade ago.
This year, the community came together to raise an impressive $20,500 (and counting), bringing the total funds raised to over $247,000 since the event’s inception.
The walk, a 53-kilometer tribute to Gaetane Harvey, was founded by her daughter, Lisa McAuley, and her sisters in memory of their mother, who passed away from breast cancer in 2006.
Each kilometre walked symbolizes a year of Gaetane’s life, celebrated through the collective steps of participants, volunteers, supporters, and donors.
“This walk isn’t just about her. It has grown into much more than that,” said Lisa McAuley. “It has grown with each walker that has registered and shared their own stories. We ask others to join our walk; in memory of a loved one who has passed, in support of a loved one who is going through cancer treatment or in celebration of a loved one who has survived this terrible disease.”
Funds raised through the Gaetane Harvey Memorial Walk have supported priority equipment across all aspects of a cancer patient’s journey—from diagnosis, to treatment, follow-up, emotional support, and pain and symptom management. Over the years, the Walk has become a beacon of hope and resilience, turning grief into action and creating a lasting impact for patients and families across our region.
A special thank you is extended to McAuley and her family for their dedication and leadership in organizing this annual event. Their commitment has transformed personal loss into a legacy of compassion and support for others facing cancer.
“The Gaetane Harvey Memorial Walk is such a powerful reminder of the strength of this community,” said Amanda Grydziuszko of the Belleville General Hospital Foundation. “We are so grateful to Lisa, her family, and every participant, volunteer, supporter, and donor who has helped build this incredible legacy. Thanks to you, patients and families in our region have access to cancer care here at home, giving them strength, comfort, and hope when it’s needed most.”
(BROCK ORMOND)
