ELORA – Hundreds of people came out to the Elora Centre for the Arts on Oct. 5 to enjoy the music, food, drinks and more during the Concert with Addy-tude, but they were also supporting an important cause.
The event was named for Addison Hill, who died just two days after her 14th birthday in 2022, following a battle with a rare form of cancer. The concert raises money in her name for sarcoma research at SickKids hospital.
“Addy was a true force, and her strength and resilience are something we can all learn from,” stated Addy’s mother Jessica Hill in an email to the Advertiser.
“Although her journey was different from Terry Fox’s, she reminds me so much of him – a real-life hero who never gave up hope. Like Terry, Addy was determined to make a difference, especially for the children at SickKids.”
Her legacy continues to have an impact, as Jessica noted the concert raised about $60,000.
“We had an amazing turnout, with about 800 people coming out to support us,” she stated. “Additionally, we couldn’t have done it without the help of our 80 dedicated volunteers.”
Team Addy, the organization named for Addy that is dedicated to raising awareness of children with sarcoma cancer, partnered with Riverfest Elora for the event.
The partnership, Jessica said, was key to the concert’s success, “and having the Elora Centre for the Arts as the venue made it even more special, bringing the event to life right in our own backyard.”
She said Addy’s oncologist, Dr. David Malkin, spoke at the event, sharing how funds raised are “directly advancing critical research and treatment efforts for sarcoma.”
A cheque presentation is scheduled for Nov. 1 at SickKids, where Team Addy will present the combined funds raised at the concert and at a family fun day held earlier this year.
“We are excited to showcase the incredible support we’ve received and the impact Team Addy is making in advancing sarcoma research,” Jessica stated.
