The dream of a young Cranbrook woman who passed away in 2012 is coming to fruition.
Jacey Uphill of Cranbrook conceived of a foundation that could raise awareness of childhood cancers and help provide support for those families who are fighting those battles.
Today, more than a year later, the non-profit organization that Jacey founded, Believe in the Gold — from her personal mantra "believe" — is up and running.
The 19-year-old from Cranbrook became an activist for childhood cancer over her two and a half year battle with Ewing's sarcoma, when she found there was not one program in Canada dedicated to dealing with childhood cancers and helping the families of those with childhood cancers.
Even while undergoing treatment, she remained active in the Cranbrook and Kimberley communities, raising awareness and support.
And in the past year and a half, Jacey's family have carried on her legacy. Believe In The Gold is now a fully functioning non-profit, 100 per cent volunteer run.
Part of the proceeds Believe in The Gold raises go to the Helping Families Handle Cancer Foundation, an organization that provides financial assistance to families struggling with the costs that come with a cancer diagnosis.
The rest of the money will go towards the cutting edge pediatric sarcoma research of Dr. Douglas Mahoney of Calgary.
Although the research is in early stages, results are promising, according to a news report from Global News late last year.
Jacey's family marked her birthday on Monday, July 14, by going to the hospital and passing out stuffed bears, raising awareness of Believe In The Gold and moving Jacey's legacy forward.
In Canada cancer is responsible for more deaths from age one through adolescence than any other disease.
In relative terms, more deaths are from cancer than asthma, diabetes, cystic fibrosis and AIDS combined.
For further information about Believe In The Gold, Jacey's story, childhood cancers, and to make a donation, go to www.believeinthegold.ca.