It will feature the return of the Oakville Firefighters to help out, as well as a raffle, barbecue, live music by Toronto-based sisters Jackie and Breya Skinner of the group Skinner and Chris Stolz of Twisting Reality, a Las Vegas-style magic show. What my sister Kelley wanted people to know is that this doesnt just happen to older people. Sometimes you think colon cancer is an older persons disease, but its not, said Ashley. The girls chuckle as they deliver the message that aims to keep people on top of colon cancer through screening and colonoscopies. Get your pooper checked. As silly as it sounds, thats all it takes, said Ashley. In fact, Ashley said last years fundraising brought her sister and a girl named Tanya Shepherd in con- tact with one another. Both had a sis- ter and a son with similar names. Both died on the same day, just months after taking part in the fundraiser. All proceeds from The Underwear Affair go towards research at North York General Hospital. The event is meant to raise aware- ness for cancers below the belt such as ovarian, prostate, colon, and more. Following the birth of her son w w w . o a kv ill eb ea ve r.c o m O A KV IL LE B EA V ER Th ur sd ay , A ug us t 1 9, 2 01 0 1 0 Colon cancer robbing young people of their lives Continued from page 1 Jacob in 2008, Kelly was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer. She had sur- gery and chemotherapy treatment at the Juravinski Cancer Centre in Hamilton. Ashley said her sister, and her best friend, was the inspiration for Kelleys Angels. The group consisted of those who helped Kelley a group she dubbed her angels. The team started with just four Kelley, Ashley, Christine Tonkens and Dawn Mortimer. It grew to eight with the addition of Pamela Bond, Jenn Turner, Sarah Hart and Alanna Negri. Now its near 30 members. Their aim is to contribute toward a cure and raise awareness of cancers below the belt. Colon cancer is prevent- able, treatable and beatable with early detection, said Pennycook. I couldn't make it through this without the help of my beautiful family and my amazing angels walking the earth disguised as my friends. I have never shed so many tears, but at the same time I have never lived and laughed as much in my whole life. My son gives me hope every time he smiles at me and gives me the strength to fight through any hard day I might have. I believe in a cure and I believe that I will be here to dance with my son Jake at his wedding, stated Kelley last year on her walk webpage. She did not make it to this years walk. For information about Kelleys story, to view Kelleys Angels and Kelleys Guardians personal pages or to donate online, visit to10.uncoverthe- cure.org. Shrimpfest tickets are now on sale Shrimpfest will soon be back again and tickets to the annual Optimist Club gala are on sale now. The Optimist Club of Oakville is holding its 29th annual All-you- can-eat Shrimp/Roast beef Dinner/Dance on Sept. 24 at Le Dome Banquet Hall located at 1173 North Service Rd. The evening begins at 6:30 p.m. and will feature live music by Freedom Train, a silent auction, door prizes and games. Everyone is welcome. Tickets cost $50 per person. For tickets call 905-849-9824 or visit www.oakvilleoptimistclub.com. All proceeds go to help support local community youths.