Second Family Fun Day raises $65,000 for sarcoma cancer research

July 10, 2023 @ 3:19 pmNews

Leah Berger, left, and Aimee Young manned the Christmas in July booth, selling Christmas tree decorations with an Addison Hill theme.
Madeline, left, and Natalie Rivers had a caricature done of themselves at Family Fun Day. Caricature artist Taylor Poole did the honours. Photos by Joanne Shuttleworth
These girls took some time to warm up to Elsa, the special Disney character who attended the Team Addy Family Fun Day in Fergus on July 8, but eventually they did.
Team Addy is a force to be reckoned with, even its youngest members. These kids man a booth selling Addison Hill memorabelia. Although she died last year, Addison Hill loomed large at the event. That’s her portrait on the left.
Natasha Skerritt, principal at Elora Public School, was hoping she might escape a soaking at the second Team Addy Family Fun Day at Centre Wellington District High School on July 8. She did not. Photo by Joanne Shuttleworth

FERGUS – Addison Hill only lived to be 14 years old, but she has left her mark on this community.

And the community continues to rally around Addison’s favourite causes: sarcoma cancer research, basketball, and spreading joy and hope to the people around her.

Hundreds flocked to Centre Wellington District High School for the second Family Fun Day on July 8, an event to raise awareness of sarcoma cancer and funds for Dr. David Malkin’s research laboratory at Sick Kids hospital.

“She had such a vibrant spirit,” said Addison’s mother Jessica Hill in an interview.

“Her love for life, her unwavering spirit and her inspiration … I see the impact she has on people and it moves me. That’s what motivates me and keeps me going.”

Addison was diagnosed with sarcoma cancer last fall and underwent surgery and chemotherapy at Toronto’s Hospital for Sick Children.

While she rallied at times and there was hope she would overcome the disease, she succumbed to cancer on July 10 last year, two days after her 14th birthday.

She wasn’t able to attend the first Family Fun Day, yet her presence was felt at the  event this year on July 8.

Basketball went on inside the gym; carnival games and a vendors’ market went on outdoors; and the Grand River Band kept the place hopping. 

Jessica and Dave Hill have also sponsored an award at Elora Public School in Addison’s memory and the first Golden Heart Inspiration Memorial Award was given to Sophia Farrow at the school’s Grade 8 graduation ceremony in June.

Principal Natasha Skerritt said Sophia received the award for her positive outlook on life. 

“She faces every challenge with a positive and fun approach. Sophia perseveres and encourages others. She can always be found smiling,” Skerritt stated in an email.

Hill said Addison loved school and she hopes the award will inspire students to nurture the qualities Addison had: passion and spirit to overcome challenges and having a positive outlook.

Keeping her own outlook positive since Addison’s death has been a challenge for Hill.

“Ever since we lost her it has been tough,” she said.

“Watching her battle that journey, she was so brave and always a smile on her face. That’s why I want to take action. That’s what keeps me going.”

While the total tally is not complete, Hill said it looks like Family Fun Day raised $65,000.

But it’s not over. An Addy-Tude concert is planned for Sept. 23 at the MacDonald Pavilion in Elora featuring Monowhales, Stacey Kay, Georgia Harmer and Lauren Roy.

Tickets are $45. Details are available at teamaddy.ca/events.

Reporter