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A new community event, Papa’s Hope for PanCan Awareness and Fundraiser, is set to shine a spotlight on pancreatic cancer while honouring the memory of a beloved local entertainer.
Organizer Cindy Martin and her daughter, Nicole Breadner, launched the event after losing their husband and father, David Martin, to pancreatic cancer last September—only six weeks after his diagnosis.
Martin added that her husband had been seeing doctors for more than a year and a half with various health problems, but pancreatic cancer was never suspected or diagnosed.
So, a plan to raise awareness was put into motion. Breadner knew that whatever form the awareness event took, it had to include music as a tribute to her father.
Named Papa’s Hope, the event will be held at the Simcoe Legion on Saturday Sept 13th. The evening will feature live performances by Elvis and Johnny Cash tribute artists, a Sinatra-style crooner, acoustic performers, and even a fire-dancer. The night will begin with a special video of Cindy’s late husband singing with a 16-piece orchestra. Fellow entertainers, many of whom once performed alongside him, are donating their time in tribute.
Martin hopes the fundraiser will become an annual event, keeping her husband’s legacy alive while advancing awareness.
Holding her mother’s hand for support, Breadner added that if raising awareness can help even one person facing pancreatic cancer, it will be worth it.
Advanced ticket’s can be purchase for $20 by contacting Lou Porter 519-410-3002 or Liz Starr 519-770-6970.
Written by Jeremy Hall