“I still can't believe Splash & Dash has been going on for 21 years, and I am still overwhelmed by the number of people who come out to support us every year,” said Sarah Cook, who founded Sarah’s Fund for Cedars in 2001, when, as an eight-year-old battling Ewing’s Sarcoma, she decided she wanted to make life a bit easier for the other children on the floor by buying new pillows. “I’m so grateful to all the families who take part in the event and who give so generously. Every donation makes a big difference in the lives of so many young patients and their families battling cancer. From the bottom of my heart thank you,” she added.
Splash & Dash is a fun, family-oriented event that raises money to provide better programs, facilities, and equipment for children who are being treated for cancer on Sarah’s Floor of the Montreal Children’s Hospital. At this year’s event, registered participants took part in an easy walk-bike-run team triathlon challenge in and around Danyluk Park. There were also plenty of fun activities available for both participants and members of the public, including inflatable games, clowns, circus performers, face painting, manicures, and airbrush tattoos. Local caterers and suppliers also provided lots of delicious snacks and drinks – free of charge.
The highlight of the day was the “Heroes and Celebrities Challenge,” when everyone got to celebrate and cheer on the true heroes of the day: children currently undergoing treatment on Sarah’s Floor. They took part in their own short race with local celebrities Mitch Gallo (TV hockey commentator); Lee Haberkorn (Virgin Radio host); Benoit Huot (Canadian Paralympic swimmer); Pete Marier (CHOM FM host); Pamela Pagano (CityNews reporter); and Malik Shaheed (Youth advocate and philanthropist).
“Since its inception, Splash & Dash has raised over $3 million dollars for Sarah’s Fund for Cedars and has supported multiple programs that have had a profound impact on young cancer patients during a difficult and scary time in their lives,” said Jeff J. Shamie, President and CEO of the Cedars Cancer Foundation. “Cedars is extremely grateful to our presenting sponsor, Pfizer Canada, which has been involved for 7 years now and plays a vital role in its success. I also wish to thank all the participants, volunteers, partners, and donors without whom none of this would be possible,” he concluded.
The 21st edition of Splash & Dash would not be possible without the incredible help of its Gold Sponsors: Rossy Family Foundation, Pfizer, Chamandy Foundation, CN , 3Macs/Raymond James, Kamik, Christina Miller Real Estate Group, Summit Maritime Corporation, and Air Canada Foundation. As well,Cedars extends a huge thank you to the Race Sponsors: Gildan, Sigvaris, Fednav, Lallemand, Argus Transport Canada, and Vitesse Transport.
All proceeds from Splash & Dash will support Sarah’s Fund for Cedars, whose mission is to make a meaningful difference in the life of every child’s who has been touched by cancer at the Montreal Children’s Hospital.