Fundraiser for brain cancer research switches from walking hug around SickKids to drive-in hug
When Denise Bebenek’s daughter Meagan died in 2001, six months after she had been diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour, the family was devastated.
But the Ontario resident says the hope and support offered by other families and staff at the Hospital for Sick Children inspired her to start a fundraising walk that same year.
Twenty years later, Meagan’s Walk evolved into Meagan's Hug, a giant human chain surrounding the renowned children’s medical centre in a heart-warming hug.
“I wanted it to be a message of hope for all the children,” Bebenek said, “[For them] to realize that they were not alone in their journey”.
Now, with the pandemic, the fundraiser has evolved once again.
On Sept. 12, the group is holding a family-friendly drive-in event called “Honks for Hope.”
“It begins at Yorkdale Shopping Centre where the cars will be decorated, followed by a car parade which goes to Downsview Park.”
The show will be hosted by comedians Patrick McKenna and Debra McGrath and feature former Blue Rodeo singer, Jim Cuddy. Tickets are available online.
Woodbridge mom, Amy Amato, knows the importance of events like these. She used to see posters for Meagan’s Walk around Sick Kids when her daughter was being treated for an aggressive brain tumour several years ago.
“I kind of made a deal with myself,” she said. “That if everything turned out well, I would do whatever I can to help Meagan’s Hug."
Her daughter Mia underwent surgery and a less toxic form of chemotherapy, which was being tested, in part, using funds raised by Meagan’s Hug. Mia is now seven-years-old and living a very normal life and loves gymnastics.
“She’s in remission, it’s like nothing happened,” Amato said.
Meagan’s Hug has raised more than $5.5 million dollars for brain cancer research since it began. The organization now has ties with eight different countries.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
BREAKING Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Poilievre-led government 'would never' use notwithstanding clause on abortion, his office says
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
Miss Teen USA steps down just days after Miss USA's resignation
Miss Teen USA resigned Wednesday, sending further shock waves through the pageant community just days after Miss USA said she would relinquish her crown.
BREAKING 1 dead in rollover crash in Sharbot Lake, Ont.; 5 others injured
Ontario Provincial Police confirm one person has died after a single-vehicle rollover crash in Sharbot Lake, Ont. that seriously injured five others.
Cyclist strikes child crossing the street to catch school bus in Montreal
A video circulating on social media of a young girl being hit by a bike has some calling for better safety and more caution when designing bike lanes in the city. The video shows a four-year-old girl crossing Jeanne-Mance Street in Montreal's Plateau neighbourhood to get on a school bus stopped on the opposite side of the street