For the first time, Childcan is bringing its Pyjama Walk to Sarnia-Lambton to raise awareness and funds for childhood cancer.
The event, dubbed a 'Pyjamaganza', is scheduled to take place on Sunday at Mike Weir Park in Bright's Grove.
It's held in solidarity with children battling the disease, who are forced to spend far too much time in their pyjamas as they recover.
Proceeds support local families who are coping with their child’s cancer diagnosis as well as vital paediatric cancer research at London Health Sciences Centre.
Childcan Community Engagement and Communications Associate Amy Mathias said they help treat children at London Health Sciences Centre which serves a wide area, including Sarnia-Lambton.
"We support approximately 75 to 100 children each year, who are newly diagnosed," said Mathias. "Because cancer treatment takes so long, on average three months through to three years, we have about 250 kids that Childcan is supporting in any given year."
Mathias said Sarnia's Shannon Shepherd helped organize the first local walk.
Her daughter Deklan was diagnosed with leukemia at just two years old, and Childcan has been helping the family during her cancer journey.
"When the children are diagnosed, we're there with a welcome pack to welcome them to Childcan," she said. "Included in there are gift vouchers for the families. We give them a parking pass so they don't have to pay for parking at the London hospital. We're there with financial support to help with things like utilities, bills, groceries and gas cards."
Mathias says families in Canada spend upwards of $30,000 for a child's first year of treatment, through added bills and stress.
Registration for the Pyjama Walk gets underway at 1 p.m., but it can also be done online.
There are opening ceremonies at 1:45 p.m., the walk is at 2 p.m., and there are awards and closing ceremonies scheduled for 3:45 p.m.
Walks are also planned Sunday in LaSalle and Owen Sound, and on Saturday in London and Mitchell.
It's hoped at least $100,000 can be brought in across Ontario.
