ESTEVAN — An Estevan woman was recognized on July 18 for her ongoing commitment to the fight against cystic fibrosis (CF).
Kasey McIntyre was presented with the Mila Mulroney Award July 18 during a brief ceremony at the Garden Park on Fourth in Estevan, with a few dozen family members and friends in attendance. Cystic Fibrosis Canada revealed in February that McIntyre would receive the award for Western Canada, and the presentation would happen at a later date.
McIntyre, whose son Liam has CF, has organized the Walk to Make Cystic Fibrosis History in Estevan for over 10 years, and Team McIntyre Family and Friends has raise awareness and thousands of dollars to fight the disease. She has said previously she shares the award with them.
McIntyre thanked her family, friends and the community for the support to help make CF stand for "cure found", and she applauded everyone, including members of the Estevan Kinette Club, who attended the celebration. Kin Canada has long been a champion for the fight against CF.
Team McIntyre Family and Friends works hard throughout the year to raise money, and she's thankful for the recognition and that some team members have established their own entry for the walk.
Having a son with CF is not a journey she ever thought she would be on, but McIntyre said it has allowed her to experience a lot.
"I wouldn't have met amazing people. I wouldn't be blessed with everyone here today, and those who would have loved to be here are standing united with us," she said.
"We can't leave anyone with CF behind. We need to let them know that they are not alone. That people do believe that one day they will have a world where CF stands for Cure Found."
Teresa Weger, a Weyburn woman with CF who is a summer student with Cystic Fibrosis Canada, said McIntyre's other fundraising efforts have included lemonade stands, barbecues and organizing the Princess and Superheroes Ball in Estevan for a number of years.
"At all of these events, you can count on a few things. It'll be fun, it'll be exciting and you'll find Kasey not only organizing them but working them from start to finish. She is an amazing, strong mom raising a child with CF."
According to McIntyre's nominator, Raelene Fieber, McIntyre is always raising funds and awareness for CF, even during the COVID-19 pandemic when she was trying to keep her family safe.
"She's always there to help others in anything you need, and does it with a smile on her face. She's an amazing woman," Weger said, citing the nomination.
McIntyre noted it was a privilege to receive the award from Weger. They first met years ago at a fundraiser in Regina.
"I was so inspired by her and her family's passion to advocate for cystic fibrosis," said McIntyre.
The McIntyre family has attended CF fundraisers organized by the Wegers, and it inspired McIntyre to host events for Estevan.
"I can choose to be part of the change that I want to see, so I always choose to lead with my heart and then my mind," McIntyre said.
GFL Environmental presented a cheque for $1,500 at the ceremony. Laura O'Hanlon with GFL noted that her co-worker, AnnaRae Gustafson, attended the CF Walk in May, and wanted to know if there was anything the company could do to help. O'Hanlon submitted an application to the company, and the donation was made in the name of health and wellness.
