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Maija Hoggett Alliston Herald

In the four years since the death of her husband Dick, Betty Aldridge has created the first ever Canadian foundation for the disease that claimed his life.

Local charity goes national

Dick Aldridge Pancreatic Cancer Foundation now has national hotline

July 16, 2009 11:07

In 2004, local businessman, Dick Aldridge died of pancreas cancer. He was a well known teacher at Banting Memorial High School and former Toronto Argonaut of the 1960s and 70s. In order to keep his memory alive, his family and friends planned a golf tournament.

This year, the fifth Annual Dick Aldridge Charity Golf Classic is at ClubLink's Emerald Hills in Stouffville on July 21.

It has become a venue for family and friends, from near and far to gather in support of pancreas cancer. Once again, it is a sold-out event.

The volunteer group had to address the need for tax receipts after the first tournament, as almost $60,000 was raised. Thus the Dick Aldridge Pancreatic Cancer Foundation became a reality in 2006.

The organization continued to expand and in 2008 Pancreatic Cancer Canada was born. Once a local telephone responded to inquiries but now a toll-free number has become a reality. 1-888-pancan9 (1-888-726-2269) covers all of Canada and www.pancreaticcancercanada.ca offers information about the disease, the organization, fundraising events, donation possibilities etc.

Many families affected by pancreas cancer have become part of the team, as volunteers or participating in fundraising events, all in the hope of eradicating the disease in the near future.

There is no cure for pancreas cancer and once detected it is often too late. The team is dedicated to raising funds for the early detection study Pancreatic Cancer Canada is funding at Princess Margaret Hospital. To date they have raised over $225,000. They can not do it alone and corporate sponsorship is encouraged and welcomed.

From the death of one man in New Tecumseth and the determination of his family and friends, a golf tournament has evolved into a national presence.

Pancreatic Cancer Canada welcomes readers to visit www.pancreaticcancercanad.ca and become involved.

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