www.insideHALTON.com | OAKVILLE BEAVER | Friday, June 5, 2015 | 18 Inaugural Be Brave & Believe to help with non-medical costs of fighting cancer by Bob Mitchell Oakville Beaver Staff As a two-time cancer survivor, Christine GlenCoussée understands first-hand fighting the disease requires an army of dedicated family, friends and practitioners. "Fighting cancer takes everything a person and their family has got," said the singer, performer, teacher, mother and wife. Knowing the staggering costs of non-medical expenses of fighting cancer (more than $48,000 per patient), she wondered how people without the "amazing support" she had manage to cope. So, Be Brave & Believe was born. The not-for-profit organization supporting families fighting cancer will host its inaugural gala event `Dancing With Our Scars' on Friday, June 12 at 7 p.m. at Le Dome Banquet Hall, 1173 North Service Rd. E. Six local female entrepreneurs will perform with professional dancers at the organization's first major fundraising gala. Glen-Coussée will be among those singing at the gala dinner, which features a four-course meal, internationally-renowned dancers and choreographers and a live band. There will also be a silent auction. Lorraine Currie, co-founder of the organization, is dancing for her son, who died from cancer 10 years ago at the age of 28. "During that time, we discovered first-hand how challenging it can be for families to navigate the complexities of cancer treatment," said Currie, owner of Futures Gymnastics Centres. Be Brave & Believe will use money raised to provide resources to alleviate the burdens on families. From nutritional home-cooked meals, to hospital parking vouchers, to connecting families with support programs, the organization intends to help families identify needs and connect them with helpful local resources. "All of the dancers and performers are my friends and people who have supported me through my journey," said Glen-Coussée, a mother of two children, Luc, 16, and Lillie, 13. "They love me and are so happy I'm still here." Glen-Coussée, who had ovarian cancer, hopes `Dancing with Our Scars' will become an annual event with the dancers either being cancer survivors or members of the medical field. "I think it's really important for the medical side to see how important it is for families fighting cancer to have their non-medical expenses taken care of," she said. Tickets cost $75 and are on sale through the organization's website at www. bebraveandbelieve.ca. -- For more details on who is involved in the fundraiser, visit www.insidehalton.com. Accepting new pAtients FAMILY PRACTICE & WALK-IN CLINIC QUEEN'S MEDICAL CENTRE Colour + Inspiration = Home Would like to welcome Dr. Parisa Airia to our Medical team. Dr. AiriA speAks FArsi Walk-In Clinic & Lab PHARMACY on-site 905-257-2061 478 Dundas St. W., Oakville Visit our website www.PaintersPlace.ca for Promotional discounts 905-844-8878 905-844-8811 Let our team inspire you! Dave McConnell McConnell Painting Hours: Mon. - Fri. 9:00 am - 7:00 pm · Saturdays 9:30 am - 3:00 pm 1289 Marlborough Court, Oakville Tom marino PainTers Place Burlington OFFERING FULL AUTOMOTIVE SERVICE 5125 Harvester Rd., Unit 5 · 905-681-1200 www.dreamtire.com