Cambridge woman and her dogs embark on walk for cancer research

When Cambridge’s Tammy Comeau-Purcell was just 10 years old she learned about the harsh realities of cancer treatment when listening to a classmate speak about her own battle.

Living in New Brunswick at the time, she spoke about having to go out of province for medical care and how different charities played a critical role in supporting her family during that difficult time.

One of those charities was the Canadian Cancer Society, an organization that not only funds cancer research but helps with transportation to appointments, housing for families if needed and provides a sense of community so no one faces the process alone.

“It's very scary,” Comeau-Purcell said.

“I think it's amazing that there’s places that can house a family so they can be with their sick loved ones and that foundation’s like this are doing research to help people survive and beat cancers of all kinds.”

In the years since that encounter, Comeau-Purcell says she’s lost people to cancer but has also seen those close to her beat it and live long, healthy lives.

That’s why when she was perusing Facebook one night she was drawn to a fundraising advertisement.

While flipping through the social media app she came across a fundraiser in support of cancer research. It challenged people to walk 50 kilometres with their dogs for the cancer society.

With a seven-year-old boxer and bulldog mix named Sir William Wallace and an eight-month-old french bulldog named Blu at home, Comeau-Purcell thought it was the perfect opportunity to get some exercise, spend time with her dogs and support a good cause.

“Walking my dogs can raise money, how awesome,” Comeau-Purcell said.

“I really didn't have to even think about joining. I did it right when I saw the first ad pop up. My mom always said it takes a village to raise a child and I take a lot from that statement being from the village of Hespeler. To me, it means if we all chip in we can beat this thing, even by doing something as simple as walking my dogs.”

The walk isn't the first time Comeau-Purcell has taken her mother’s words to heart. She’s volunteered in the school system as a literary coach, helped out with two different baseball teams and even supports a family she met on a trip to Africa.

The walk is just another way she plans to make a difference in the community and hopes others will follow suit.

“I can see how fundraising is making a difference and there’s power in numbers,” she said.

“If not for fundraising and research, we will keep losing people we love.”

Anyone interested in supporting Comeau-Purcell on her walk can visit her designated Facebook page.