Students at a high school in Sudbury are busy canvassing local neighbourhoods on Thursday to raise money for cancer care and research.
The campaign is run by Lockerby Composite School students and it’s one of longest running student efforts in the country.
For grade 12 student Sarah Bilgasem, cancer hits close to home.
The 17-year-old says she's proud of her 600 fellow students who continue the tradition of the Kids Caring for Kids Cancer Drive.
"I was diagnosed with cancer. I had osteosarcoma when I was 10-years-old and I had to go to Toronto for my treatments, so I understood the emotional, financial strain it is to travel for families," said Bilgasem.
"I really wanted to be a part of the solution to keep families up here in the north and have our treatment here in our own cancer centre."
The cancer drive was started 20 years ago by Laura Cotesta, in hopes of raising money for a local cancer care centre, to make it easier for families in the north to get treatment closer to home.
She lost her own battle with cancer after graduating.
"It's important because all the money does stay here in Sudbury and we want the public to know that," said Craig Runciman, Lockerby Composite School principal.
"The money goes toward pediatric care here in Sudbury and so through our connections with the Northern Cancer Foundation and HSN we are very proud of that partnership."
Bilgasem says getting treatment without travelling to southern Ontario can make a huge difference for cancer patients and their families.
"Having a great support system around you and having positive vibes, I definitely think being around family and friends (makes a difference). It's very expensive to travel to Toronto very week, so the financial strain is definitely lessened if you have your treatment here," she explained.
Kids Caring for Kids is a long-standing commitment at the Greater Sudbury high school.
Over the past 22 years, Lockerby students have raised over $850,000.
