By Rhonda Massad
www.thesuburban.com
Venturing Out Beyond Our Cancer (VOBOC) granted a special wish to Kristin Maither on Jan. 23, a trip to Boston to attend a Garth Brooks’ concert. VOBOC fulfilled this bucket list item for Maither and her cousin with the help of the concert promoter, Ghost Tunes who graciously donated two great tickets, and provided pocket money for gas and meals.
“I have been waiting to see Garth Brooks perform live for as long as I can remember,” Maither said in a release, “Growing up on his music, singing along with every single one of his songs, he is by far my all time favorite singer of all time. It didn’t hit me until we were sitting in our seats and could see the stage.”
VOBOC made sure Christmas came early for Kirkland resident Betsy Aliqu, a 34-year-old mother with advanced cancer.
VOBOC fulfilled her last request at an early Christmas party for her, her spouse, their five children and her sister-in-law.
VOBOC’s team and volunteers purchased and wrapped colourful gifts for the children who ranged in age from four months to 16 years old. The presents, a Yule log and a meal were delivered to her hospital room creating a truly festive spirit.
According to Doreen Edward, founder of VOBOC and two time cancer survivor, a cancer diagnosis at any age is difficult, but learning that you have cancer while you are still in school, just starting your career or beginning to raise a family is devastating.
Every 12 hours in Montreal an adolescent or young adult learns they have cancer. VOBOC is a community group that reaches out to those victims of cancer from 13 to 39-years-old.
More information about VOBOC is available at www.voboc.org
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