By Kirk Starratt
KingsCountyNews.ca
It’s all about not giving up.
Paula Huntley of Kentville believes breast cancer must be eradicated to make life better for this and future generations, and she’s willing to take on greater challenges than ever before to help make it happen.
Huntley said she’s been raising funds to help fight breast cancer and participating in Walk for the Cure events for five years now, but 2013 will no doubt be the biggest year for her yet. She’s quick to point out it isn’t about her, however - it’s all about people helping other people here and around the globe.
Huntley’s fundraising efforts help locally through the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation and help the global battle to eradicate breast cancer through Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Breast cancer knows no political borders and is an issue facing everyone, she said.
“People wonder why I’m always walking,” Huntley said. “It keeps me in shape for my next challenge.”
She finds the most challenging part of maintaining her walking regimen in the winter months is ice and snow on sidewalks, but recognizes you must be prepared for any weather conditions. Huntley will participate in the Blue Nose Marathon in Halifax for the first time in May.
“I’m in the walking category,” Huntley said. “How bad can it be?”
This will test her fitness for the big walks she’ll be participating in later this year. Huntley will be taking part in a 100-kilometre walk in Boston, held from July 26 to 28, and a 60-km walk in Montreal from Aug. 24 to 26.
Perhaps more daunting than the walks themselves is the fundraising goal Huntley has set for herself: $10,000. She plans to canvass door-to-door in the Kentville area and she’ll be approaching area businesses for support for the first time. Huntley said she’d be willing to display business names and logos on her clothing if they’ll sponsor her.
Huntley also hosts fundraising events throughout the year, including a Christmas homes tour. Their third annual spring tea and auction takes place March 23 at the Avon Valley Golf and Country club in Falmouth.
Huntley has a personal connection to breast cancer. Her mother was stricken with the disease. Although she has now passed away, her mother survived breast cancer and went on to live another 11 years. The experience made Huntley realize there had to be a way she could help other people whose lives have been touched by breast cancer.
Huntley is also passionate about walking, which makes it a good fit for a fundraising initiative. She gets a lot of satisfaction from it.
Huntley said it’s up to the individual how they help. She makes her own pink breast cancer ribbons, for example. It’s about starting somewhere and setting a goal. At the end of the day, she wants people to remember those who go through this and ask themselves how they can help someone.
Huntley said she’s very grateful for the continued community support she enjoys.
“The community is great,” she said. “I don’t know what I would have done without them.”
If you would like to donate, contact Huntley at 678-6692 or huntley@ns.sympatico.ca.
