After battling a rare and aggressive form of cervical cancer in 2021, resident and mother of four, Sherry Ma, has again been diagnosed with the same type of cancer after almost two years of remission.
To do something to help, two of her daughters, Sydney Azure and Courtney, have come together with the support of numerous family and friends to organize a fundraising dinner at The Crushed Can. The fundraiser will take place on Saturday, Jan. 27, and runs from 5 to 9 p.m.
The fundraiser meal is open to the public and will feature a half rack of ribs.
Ma was originally from China and moved to Moose Jaw when she was three years old with her parents and siblings. Since arriving, she has continued to make Moose Jaw her home.
After receiving her initial diagnosis and undergoing eight months of cancer treatment, Ma went into remission for nearly two years. After a follow-up examination, Ma’s cancer had returned, and her chemotherapy and immunotherapy regimen claim eight hours per treatment every three weeks and come with several unplanned expenses.
“This fundraiser will help pay (to have) someone drive Sherry to and from treatments and appointments in Regina and Saskatoon,” Azure explained.
“As well (it will) help pay for everyday expenses as she has been unable to work since first being diagnosed due to negative side effects from the chemotherapy and radiation. Being a single mother, she is still providing and caring for two children in her home.”
Two of Ma’s four children still live at home with her youngest child being 12 years old.
The fundraiser meal will include a penny parade, silent auction, and a 50/50 draw.
The penny parade will include several prizes from local businesses in Moose Jaw, Regina, and Saskatoon. Prizes have been donated by the Moose Jaw Warriors, Saskatchewan Roughriders, Casino Moose Jaw, Sask. Rush, and others, with over 30 items to be won.
One highlight of the silent auction will be a signed Ed Belfour Chicago Blackhawks jersey.
The Crushed Can was chosen as the venue for the fundraiser “because they have a great space, (great) food, and (an) overall fun environment including arcade games which helps families with children attend as well.
“We appreciate Alex (Carleton) for making it possible to host events like these and (we) like to show support to our local businesses in town,” Azure said.
Tickets for the fundraiser cost $25 apiece. To purchase tickets, send a text message to Sydney at 306-690-6266 or an email to [email protected]. Tickets will also be available for purchase at the door.
The Crushed Can is located at 82 Manitoba Street West.
The family wishes to add that anyone unable to attend but wanting to show their support has the option of purchasing a ticket to be donated. These funds will help support Ma during this challenging time, and all meals associated with donated tickets will be forwarded to the Riverside Mission shelter.
“We really appreciate all the support we have already received and continue to receive from everyone, whether it be a donation or just spreading the word out about the fundraiser.”
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