A Chatham-Kent councillor’s fundraising campaign to support breast cancer treatment in Chatham-Kent has raised double its goal.
Melissa Harrigan, who has been sharing her journey with the public, partnered with the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance Foundation (CKHAF) to purchase new equipment to enhance the Mammography room at the hospital.
Her goal in January was to raise $10,000, and at the last check on Monday, over $19,800 has been raised.
However, on Monday, Harrigan told CK News Today that Pretty In Pink, a group of ladies out in Dover Township, held a fundraiser over the weekend and raised an additional $3,000 toward the fundraiser.
"I feel like by the end we're going to have crossed the $25,000 which is just amazing," said Harrigan. "All of the money will be going to the accessibility for mammograms and then to enhancing the suite."
Harrigan is also celebrating a milestone in her fight against breast cancer. She finished her final chemotherapy treatment session on Tuesday, March 28.
"At first when I finished chemo, my mind kind of went toward it not being time to ring the bell because I'm not done," said Harrigan. "I realized every milestone in cancer treatment is one that's worth celebrating. I tell my children there are many mountains in cancer treatment but this was the Everest of them."
In December, Harrigan revealed she has Invasive Ductal Carcinoma and would be temporarily stepping away from her political duties. She's now focusing on getting better.
"When I began chemo back in December, I remember thinking I just needed to get to Spring," said Harrigan. "It seemed so far away at the time but then it seemed like Spring just rushed up on us. I have a month to recover and I am just so excited to be outside walking."
Over the next couple of weeks, Harrigan will be spending her time resting, rejuvenating and letting her body recover from the chemotherapy.
"I'm not as full of energy as I was six months before my cancer diagnosis, but I feel energized," said Harrigan. "I feel positive."
