A 17-year-old girl from Ontario is expanding her Cuddles for Cancer organization into Airdrie.

Faith Dickinson started the organization in 2012 because she wanted to provide cancer patients with a warm "cuddle" as they underwent treatment.

"When I was 9 years old I found out that my aunt was diagnosed with stage four breast cancer," says Dickinson. "I made her a blanket and she said it was really nice because she got extremely cold during the chemo treatments."

Dickinson's mantra is that "everyone deserves a cuddle" and after making a couple blankets for her Grade 4 teachers, she decided to continue the work to provide warmth, comfort, and love to cancer patients, those suffering from other illnesses, the homeless, soldiers and veterans, and first responders.

Dickinson says to date, Cuddles for Cancer has made more than 5,000 blankets that have been sent to more than 45 countries around the world.

She decided to expand to Western Canada, and particularly Airdrie, after meeting 11-year-old Jack Hunter in the Summer.

Dickinson and Hunter's fathers grew up together and the two formed their own quick bond.

"When she was 9, her aunt got stage four breast cancer and when I was 9 my dad got cancer, so it's really touching," says Hunter.

"Jack told me a lot about what he does with his school and his involvement in the community and I opened up the conversation of opening up a Cuddles for Cancer in Airdrie where he was raised," says Dickinson.

A mere three months later, and Cuddles for Cancer has officially launched in Airdrie. A celebration was held Friday at the Airdrie Legion.

"Honestly I wasn't expecting this many people to come out. It's great how many people came out to support this and I'm very thankful," says Hunter.

Among the attendees was Don Johnston, who says he was one of the first to receive a Cuddles for Cancer blanket a handful of years ago after going through cancer treatment.

"It kept me warm," says Johnston. "It still does, because I still get cold and I was freezing when I was in the hospital. I got the blanket just after I got out of the hospital and got back home. It's sure kept me warm a lot of times."

He says he's proud to see Cuddles for Cancer expanding and was honoured to attend the launch of the Airdrie branch.

"I think what Faith is doing is unbelievable. For people to realize there's a lot of people suffering from cancer a lot worse off than I am. I know what it's like to be cold and sick. I was diagnosed with leukemia in 2006. By 2013 I had to quit working and think about treatments. Then in 2016 I went into Tom Baker in Calgary and received a bone marrow transplant, stem cells. It was touch and go for about three years and improving greatly now, so I'm one of the lucky ones."

Dickinson says this is just the beginning.

"We just want to keep expanding. Right now this is our first expansion of Cuddles for Cancer. We're hoping to have another one in the UK soon, and just keep going. That's the hope," says Dickinson.

Hunter has a simple goal for the Airdrie branch.

"I just want to make as many blankets as I can to help out Faith's organization. I really hope we can make over 5,000 blankets here," says Hunter, who adds the hope is to eventually have a drop-in centre in Airdrie where volunteers can help make blankets.

In the meantime, anyone wanting to lend a hand making blankets can get in touch by emailing cuddlesforcancer@hotmail.com.

Dickinson says donations are also welcomed and appreciated.

 

Comments? Questions? Story ideas? Email news@discoverairdrie.com