Windsor-Essex residents showed remarkable bravery through their recent actions.
The Windsor Cancer Centre Foundation announced the results of its second annual Show Us Your Brave campaign at a media event on Tuesday morning, and the results shattered expectations.
Over 2,100 community donations raised $376,111 to keep cutting-edge cancer care in Windsor. A further donation by local businessman and philanthropist John Viecelli brought the total to $500,000.
Foundation Executive Director Houida Kassem said they were floored by the community's generosity.
"It always surprises us, but at the same point it humbles us because our community continues," said Kassem. "You've heard this time and time again, how we say our community is so generous, and this is just another example of people stepping up and making that decision to support."
Viecelli, who recalled emigrating to Canada from Italy as a teenager and starting his own construction business at age 19, said he always had a desire to give back.
"I make them feel good," said Viecelli. "That's the only thing I want, to help people and make them happy. I like making people laugh. That's my thing, if you laugh, I'm happy."
The Show Us Your Brave campaign encouraged people to step out of their comfort zones and try something different, such as fitness classes that supported the fundraiser. On June 21, over 100 people rappelled down the side of the CIBC Building in downtown Windsor.
Jonathan Foster, Windsor Regional Hospital's Vice President of Emergency, Trauma, Mental Health, Cancer Services and Renal, said the need for services continues to rise. The cancer centre has reported a ten per cent increase in cases year over year.
"The fact that we're still having more treatments overall just tells you that the volume has magnified so much more," said Foster. "People are waiting less time to get in, so we can get them in within quick timeframes, usually within two weeks to start treatment after diagnosis and consultation."