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Tree of Life gives lasting tribute

Four hundred and forty-five; that's the number of Canadian women diagnosed with breast cancer every week, according to Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation estimates. In 2010, CBCF estimates 5,300 Canadian women will die from breast cancer.
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This year, proceeds of the Shoppers Drug Mart Tree of Life campaign were donated to the Battlefords Union Hospital Foundation, in memory of former employee Barb Leslie, who lost her life to breast cancer this summer. The cheque for $3,258, presented Dec. 14, will be used to enhance patient care in the mammography unit.

Four hundred and forty-five; that's the number of Canadian women diagnosed with breast cancer every week, according to Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation estimates.

In 2010, CBCF estimates 5,300 Canadian women will die from breast cancer.

This July, Barbara Jean Leslie became one of that number, leaving behind a void in the lives of her family and friends that will never be filled.

Co-workers at the North Battleford Shoppers Drug Mart described Leslie as fun-loving, caring and a great friend.

And so, when this year's Tree of Life fundraiser came around, they all knew exactly where the funds would be donated - to enhance patient care in the mammography unit in Battlefords Union Hospital.

The Tree of Life is a nationwide effort by Shoppers Drug Mart, with each location determining which women's health related charities the funds raised will go towards.

Rosemarie Priddle, store owner, said participating Shopper's Drug Marts raised over $2 million in 2010, adding Leslie was the top leaf seller in their location for many years.

Leading the fundraising effort in North Battleford was "leaf captain" Tracey Marquis.

"It was very important to us," she said, adding they surpassed their goal, raising a total of $3,258.

"Our goal was to make it more serene and peaceful and relaxing where they have the tests done," said Marquis.

Marquis, whose mother and brother also passed away from cancer, said she misses seeing Leslie at work.

"She was an amazing woman; she was a lot of fun and joked around a lot."

Joan Matechuk, working supervisor in the BUH Medical Imaging Department, said the donation will be used to purchase a television and DVD player for the unit, as well as Planet Earth DVDs and possibly a fountain.

"When women come for a mammogram, there's a lot of anxiety, so we want to make it as tranquil and peaceful as possible," said Matechuk.

Matechuk added all donations are greatly appreciated and serve to enhance the care patients receive when they are going through a stressful and frightening time.

"Our job is never-ending, it seems, so hopefully someone will find a cure," added Matechuk.

To make a donation, call the Battleford Union Hospital Foundation at 446-6652.