Sara Reavley runs Sara’s On Centre, a family-run bakery. It is also a regular gathering place for a morning coffee for many residents. These past days Sara has added something new to what’s offered. She calls them - cookies with a purpose. “The last 2 years have been tough, and we all need to see some good come out of 2022. So, I decided to bake towards a cure. In doing so, I made it a goal of mine to give back to the Allan Blair Cancer Centre.”
Reavley is well-familiar with the Allan Blair Clinic, located within the Pasqua Hospital in Regina. As she carefully fashions sweet bits of sugar dough into ribbons of hope, she calls creating the special cookies, her way of giving back to the community. “When I was 7 months old, I was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia. The cancer clinic guided me through my healing. By the age of 2, on September 14th, 1999, I had an unrelated bone marrow transplant. My small body responded positively. I owe it all to my donor Sid Brinkhurst.”
Prayers and great support from her family, and the community, also played a part in Reavley’s remission on the road to good health. She is a cancer survivor, having now lived cancer-free for 22 years. It’s why she considers her unique effort at raising money a labour of love.
“I chose the Allan Blair Cancer Centre because it’s close to my heart. It’s where I had my treatments and check ins. But, what I am most encouraged by, in creating these cookies, is that the response from customers is awesome. I love and appreciate the support from everyone!”
Dozens of cookies have already sold as part of this fundraising initiative, which began in mid-January. Reavley smiles as she realizes that by the end of 2022, perhaps thousands of dollars are likely to be raised for the Allan Blair Cancer Society. Essentially, she says, it represents helping others, adding hope and possibilities, and letting those in need know that there are many who care. “It gives me the satisfaction that I know I am helping sick kids and their families get through a hard time. My family and I know it’s hard when a loved one is sick, so if I can brighten their day in a little way then I know my goal is succeeding.”
When she first began with this fundraiser, Reavley says the plan was to bake the colourful cookies just throughout 2022. But, she says, given the need and the community’s positive response, the bakery will likely offer them for what she calls a forever fundraiser.
-Carol Rose GoldenEagle
