GUELPH-ERAMOSA – The Canadian Cancer Society is hosting its annual Mudmoiselle event at Cox Creek Cellars here on Sept. 14.
The five kilometre obstacle course through mud is open to all fitness levels, and raises money for cancer research.
Volunteer chair Nancy Drew said organizers are looking for more volunteers to help set up the course and ensure the event runs smoothly.
“We have to have so many participants for the build days and then we need help for about 114 volunteers for the day of the Mudmoiselle run at the Cox Creek Cellars,” she said.
The event means a lot to Drew.
She started taking part in Mudmoiselles and working with the Canadian Cancer Society in 2018, but already she has taken on the volunteer chair position, and is the largest donator to date (at press time).
Drew has raised $560 this far and she hoped to reach her goal of $1,000.
“My dream is that people wouldn’t have to fear cancer and that they find a cure for it so that no one else would have to go through a loss like we did,” she said.
Drew and Mel’s Mud Slingers, a team of friends, family and coworkers, will participate in Mudmoiselle to honour the memory of Drew’s sister, Melanie Drew-Christiaens, who died on June 27.
“Before she passed away I wanted to become more involved with the Canadian Cancer Society to help spread awareness and help with fundraising for a good cause,” said Drew.
Drew-Christiaens was diagnosed with stage four colon cancer in October 2017. Despite undergoing chemotherapy in 2018 she was told the cancer had spread to her spine. It was then that she approached Drew about getting involved with the Mudmoiselle.
Mudmoiselle – Mel’s Mud Slingers including Melanie Drew-Christianens, third from right and Nancy Drew, second from the right.
Submitted photo
“She said, ‘Oh what do you think about doing the Mudmoiselle run with me,’ and I said, ‘That’s an excellent opportunity to help raise awareness for the Canadian Cancer Society and raise funds for their research,’” said Drew.
Drew’s 7-year-old son Keegan also took part in the Mini Mudster, a 1.5km event for children.
This year, on Drew-Christiaens’ birthday and just three days after her passing, Drew and her son signed up for this year’s Mudmoiselle.
Drew plans to support the organization for years to come.
“I have all of the plans for the future to continue participating and helping spread the awareness,” she said.
For volunteer opportunities visit cancer.volunteerhub.com/lp/guelphmud. For more information about the Canadian Cancer Society visit www.cancer.ca.
