OAKVILLE BEAVER Saturday, March 14, 2009 · 12 McGuire clan works to honour grandmas By Sonja Pastuovic SPECIAL TO THE BEAVER When you ask Laura McGuire, 22, why she canvasses door to door for the Canadian Cancer Society every April, she will tell you it's a family affair. While in high school, Laura's passion for fighting cancer set in after stepping into a volunteer position at a local children's hospital where she worked in the children's cancer ward. "I hung out with kids in the chemo clinic while they were waiting for their appointment, or if their parents needed to talk with doctors privately." When Laura was in Grade 12, cancer hit home. Her 72-year-old grandmother, Ethel, was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Laura's immediate family moved into action, taking turns driving Ethel to chemotherapy sessions and spending free time with her. Laura's aunts, uncles and cousins also helped out. "Although we were always a close-knit family, my grandma's illness brought us even closer together," said Laura. Weeks before Christmas in 2006, tests showed no change in Ethel's condition, so Laura's grandmother chose to discontinue treat- LIESA KORTMANN / OAKVILLE BEAVER KNEE, HEEL & ARCH PAIN ARE TREATABLE! Understanding the source of your foot and knee pain could lead to permanent relief. Book a consultation today! DOING THEIR PART: The McGuire family is a long-time volunteer team that participates in Canadian Cancer Society fundraising. From left, in front, Jennifer McGuire, Luke Sayers, Hilda McGuire, Shannon McGuire and Laura McGuire. In second row, from left, Amy McGuire, Kelly Baker (McGuire) and Lynn McGuire. At back, from left, Doug Sayers and Jeff McGuire. ment and live out her days. Laura contacted the Canadian Cancer Society Oakville Unit to see how she could honour her grandma by volunteering. She signed up as a canvasser for the annual April Residential Canvass. She also registered a team at the 2007 Relay For Life at Appleby College. Laura's planning and volunteering was well underway when her grandma passed away in mid-April. "Grandma knew we were canvassing and participating in her honour," says Laura. The McGuire clan is gearing up for April to again head out to canvass in the neighbourhood. This year they will be canvassing "In Memory of Grandma and in honour of Grammie." After last year's canvass, Laura's paternal grandmother "We're not doctors or researchers and we can't cure anyone, but canvassing is a way for us to contribute and is something we can all do." Laura McGuire, Oakville resident SALIMA KASSAM REG. 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David Merry Master of CeremoniesRob MacIsaac visit www.gigglesandgrub.ca or call905 521-5171 Hilda McGuire (Grammie) was diagnosed with breast cancer. The McGuire family has once again rallied together and is helping Hilda. The McGuires also already have their canvassing kits. "No one can say `No' (to Laura when she asks the family for help canvassing)," said Laura's dad, Jeff. Laura says it's not all of her doing. "My sisters, parents, cousins, aunts and uncles all work so hard with the canvassing and I appreciate it so much." Even the youngest family members get involved. Thirteen-year-old Luke Sayers, is an experienced canvasser. Another of Laura's cousins, 10-year-old cousin Skyla Baker, raised money when she cut her hair and donated it to have wigs made for cancer patients. Laura's youngest sister Jen organized a Relay at Holy Trinity Catholic High School last year and chaired the event that raised $32,000 in one day. "We are so grateful for families like the McGuires that use their volunteer power by canvassing and giving back to our community every year," said Lisa Moffatt, fundraising co-ordinator for the Canadian Cancer Society Oakville Unit. "Our goal for this year's campaign is to raise $150,000 by knocking on doors during the month of April. It will require a lot of volunteer hands and help from our community through donations, but I think we can do it." People interested in volunteering this April are asked to contact the Oakville Unit at 905-845-5231. "We're not doctors or researchers and we can't cure anyone, but canvassing is a way for us to contribute and is something we all can do," said Laura. Don't forget to mention this ad to get your extra bonus! 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