By Alexa Gilker

IN COMOX, St. Joseph’s General Hospital has been directing fundraising efforts toward its palliative care unit. This summer, several members of the Comox 19 Wing of the Catholic Women’s League (CWL) rose to the challenge in a very visible way.

Three women from CWL, along with two of their husbands, shaved their heads at a one-day event held in a local barber shop in Comox.

“It was wonderful. We had a lot of fun,” said Evelyne Pasetka, one of the organizers of the event.

Pasetka has been diagnosed with cancer twice: a gastrointestinal stromal tumour in 1996, and breast cancer in 2008. She did not undergo chemotherapy or radiation treatment, and therefore did not lose any of her hair throughout her own fight with the disease.

Every year, the CWL chooses one cause to raise funds for. Currently, the Military Ordinariate Council of The Catholic Women’s League of Canada is encouraging community CWL branches to participate in fundraisers that support palliative care in their own communities.

When Lynn Dashkewytch, executive director of St. Joseph’s General Hospital Foundation, gave a presentation about the palliative care fundraiser last November, Pasetka saw a great opportunity to connect CWL with the project.

“I’m feeling great,” said Pasetka, “I thought this would be a great time to start giving back, for all I was blessed with.”

For four years, several workers at St. Joseph’s have shaved their heads for the palliative care cause.

Since Pasetka never lost any hair from her own treatments, she thought it would be an enjoyable way for her to raise funds as well.

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She gave a presentation June 15 at her own church, about her decision to shave her head.

Her husband of 43 years, Tom, also announced his support, by choosing to shave his head as well. Soon, she was joined by Glenda and Paul Wilson, Gina Wetmore, and Judy Borden.

Pasetka is amazed that they raised all of their money within 15 days. The group spent three days at the Comox Centre Mall, where they set up a booth with some home-made posters - and let curious shoppers know what they were doing.

"We have such generous people in our neighbourhood," said Pasetka. "That's what it's all about."

Much of the money raised came from strangers at the mall; but many members of the CWL not only showed up for the actual headshaving, but also donated a significant amount of the money raised.

That total equaled $5,100 once all the pledges were in. All of it was sent to St. Joseph's General Hospital Foundation, which designated the money toward the palliative care unit.

Pasetka was excited that the fundraiser was so successful. "We all feel so good about it," she said. "Plus, I'm enjoying my nice, short haircut in this summer heat-wave."

The CWL's fundraiser is one of many initiatives - including private donations, service club campaigns, grants and events - all devoted to raising funds for St.Joseph's. So far, more than $340,000 has been raised for the renovations; but as costs escalate, the hospital continues to seek support from the community.

Because Comox is a municipality with an aging population, St. Joseph's stresses the importance of creating space specifically for palliative care.

Anyone who would like to make a donation can contact 250.890.3046 or cvhospitalfoundation.com.

September 2010