Halloween Party Calls Attention to Cancer Fight

By Mark Brown
Citizen Staff Reporter

Hundreds of people dressed up, played games and listened to songs as the local chapter of a cancer support group held its third annual Halloween-themed fundraiser Oct 26.

Children of all ages, most of them in costume, participated with their parents in a variety of activities as part of the Spooktacular Family Halloween Party, held on a mild, sunny day at the Ciociaro Club Pavilion. The event was sponsored by In Honour of the Ones We Love, Inc. The group’s founder and president, Anita Imperioli, said a personal tragedy brought the group to light.

“The group started 18 years ago. It originally got started after I lost a child with cancer,” said Imperioli. “I wanted to give back to the community to try to make it easier on patients and families in our community.”

In Honour of the Ones We Love is a volunteer organization that raises money for cancer support, according to its official website. Imperioli said the group’s mission is very simple.

“Our mission is to keep our patients local in our community so that they have all their needs, so they don’t have to go out of town,” said Imperioli.

Among the equipment the group has purchased for locally-based cancer patients are a CT-scan machine, a blood lab and a brachytherapy radiation table. The radiation table is used for a type of treatment that involves placing an implant inside or near the area to be treated. Imperioli said local kids affected by cancer also have programs in place.

“We run two programs right now for Kids Beating Cancer, one at Windsor Regional and one at the John McGivney Centre for kids with cancer and life-threatening illnesses,” said Imperioli.

The group holds a series of fundraising events throughout the year, including the Colours of Courage Dinner Fashion Show, scheduled for Sunday, Nov 2 at Ciociaro Club. The group’s website also says that Caesars Windsor is donating one dollar from each show ticket sold during October and November to the organization. Imperioli estimated the group has raised between $400,000 and $500,000.

The pavilion at the Ciociaro Club was abuzz with activity as children participated in pumpkin-carving, met Clarol the Clown and had their faces painted. Visitors were also treated to music performed by actors portraying characters from the hit Disney film Frozen. The event got a tremendous thumbs up from many parents.

“I think it’s a great family event, great Halloween fun,” said Karen Nagy of Tecumseh, attending with her husband and two-year-old daughter Fallon.

“My girls are so excited to be here and participate in the Halloween activities,” said Melissa Ibrahim of Windsor, whose two daughters Guilia and Vanessa also participated in the event. “We are looking forward to decorating a pumpkin and meeting Elsa and Anna (from Frozen).”

Watching the throngs of costumed youngsters come and go with their parents, Imperioli was pleased with the way things played out.

“It’s wonderful that the community comes out and enjoys it with In Honour of the Ones We Love and to support our program,” said Imperioli.

For information about the group or about upcoming events, call (519) 966-2960 or visit their website www.inhonour.ca.