BARRHEAD – Barrhead has a superhero breast cancer care supporter – Violet Schriever.
Schriever is a breast cancer survivor; her personal cancer experience happened 21 years ago.
She is part of the Barrhead Breast of Friends group that participates in the annual CIBC Run for the Cure.
“I will walk as long as I can. I support it because they supported me and I have seen results,” said Schriever.
“Some are going through it (cancer) right now and some did not make it.”
On Oct. 6 Schriever walked to support the cause with 2701 people in Edmonton.
She has been there to walk for the Breast Cancer charity for eight years and carries a t-shirt with all the names of people stricken with breast cancer that she personally walks for.
“It is for them that I’m doing this. Family and friends – too many,” emotions overwhelming Schriever.
The tally of funds raised that day was $562,645 with more money still coming in.
“I have seen changes over the years. The money goes to wigs, financial aid, mental support and more. Everyone has their own story.”
Schriever ran in the Alberta Cancer Walk prior to the CIBC Walk for the Cure for many years.
She has been the facilitator for the Barrhead Cancer Support Group offering support to cancer patients, offering group support sessions and getting calls from individuals.
Schriever focuses on breast cancer patients but has helped area residents diagnosed with other types of cancer.
She also volunteers at the Barrhead Cancer Care unit every Thursday and has been doing so for the past seven years.
“Thank goodness we have that (the Barrhead Cancer Care Unit) here (in Barrhead). This is where I had my chemo,” shared Schriever.
The Barrhead Cancer Care Unit is important to so many because they compassionately take care of local community members every year.
This amazing woman also facilitates the Road to Home program in Barrhead, which originally started with a donation from Dr. B. Bose.
The Road to Home program provides transportation and support to individuals undergoing medical treatment for cancer, into the Barrhead Cancer Unit or Edmonton for cancer treatments and appointments.
They support people in Barrhead, Fort Assiniboine, Rich Valley, Westlock, Slave Lake, Whitecourt, Sangudo, Mayerthorpe, Alberta Beach and Onoway as volunteer drivers are available.
A team of amazing volunteer drivers really make this program work, and the people assisted are extremely grateful for this outstanding service offering in the community.
People have stepped up and made donations to the Road to Home program to keep it going.
“The community here is pretty awesome. When the chips are down, they lift you up,” commented Schriever.