BROOKLYN, N.S. — Friends and family members are hoping they will be able to lighten the financial load for a Hants County couple as they battle cancer.
Amber Page is helping to raise awareness of the fundraisers that have been organized to help her cousin, Holly Shute, and her husband, Troy Frizzel.
Shute was recently diagnosed with progressive metastatic breast cancer.
“Holly is just a very caring person — a little shy but she loves her family and she’s very compassionate,” said Page in a phone interview. “She’s just a sweet person; she has a kind voice and she’s always inquiring about other people because she’s very caring and loves to meet new people. She’s just very lovely.”
Shute has worked in a variety of businesses, including Tim Hortons in Windsor, D&W Swinimers Convenience Take Out and Deli in Garlands Crossing, and at the Hants Community Hospital in Windsor and the Cobequid Community Health Centre. She’s also served as a massage therapist.
Her husband is a well-known volunteer firefighter with the Southwest Hants station and is a local paramedic.
The pair live in Vaughan.
“She’s going through a really difficult battle right now with that. She’s undergoing chemo and radiation and hospitalization,” said Page, noting Frizzel has been by her side helping her through it.
“He’s been off work and by her side as her husband. It’s quite an amazing thing. A lot of his co-workers volunteered to take his shifts without pay,” she added.
To help ease the financial burden, Page said two fundraisers have been set up. One is a Go Fund Me campaign, which has, to date, raised more than $6,000. The other is a special evening out on Feb. 23 from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. that was created by paramedic Rebecca Cameron.
That fundraiser, at the Brooklyn Civic Centre, is being described as a ‘kitchen party’ and will feature several local musicians.
“It’s a relaxed environment, a special gathering,” said Page.
Aside from the live entertainment, there will be a bar-in-a-box raffle, a wine basket raffle, a 50/50 draw, and a silent auction.
Admission is a freewill donation; cash only. Due to alcohol being available for purchase, this event is for adults only.
Page said the outpouring of community support the couple has received has been touching, and seeing businesses and individuals donate to the fundraiser is also heartwarming.
“We’re hoping to see quite a few people out and we’re trying to raise as much awareness as possible,” said Page.
With so many Canadians being diagnosed with cancer each year, Page said most people know of someone who has been affected.
“I think we all kind of understand their struggle,” said Page, noting that every little bit donated helps.
To support the Go Fund Me campaign, visit: https://ca.gofundme.com/support-for-holly-and-troy.
IF YOU GO
What: Fundraiser for Holly Shute and Troy Frizzel
Where: Brooklyn Civic Centre
When: Feb. 23 from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Cost: Freewill donation; cash only; no ATM on site
Features: Live music, silent auction, 50/50 draw, bar-in-a-box raffle, and a wine basket raffle
Note: Only open to adults (19 years and up)
