Jodi Snowdon and Kim Wilkinson, of the Office of Advancement, are gearing up to run in the CIBC Run for the Cure September 30. Participants choose to run or walk 5 km or 1 km.

The efforts of one Queen’s department to boost the spirits of a colleague diagnosed with breast cancer are inspiring the greater Queen’s community to get involved and support the cause.

Jodi Snowdon and Kim Wilkinson, in the Office of Advancement, decided in early spring they wanted to support their colleague and friend, Karen Logan, in a bigger way – and organize a team for the CIBC Run for the Cure. Now, more than 70 people – including staff members from across campus, friends and family – have joined K. Lo’s Krew. The team is quickly becoming the largest local team participating in the September 30 event.

“Karen is very integral to Advancement, and she’s always the first to volunteer and help out,” says Ms Snowdon, Director, Annual Giving. “She’s a team player and it’s only fitting that she should have a team behind her.”

K. Lo’s Krew has already raised almost $10,000 for breast cancer research and aims to reach $15,000 by September 30. Satellite fundraisers – bake sales and garage sales – have been held around town to contribute to the team.

Ms Logan, who began working at Queen’s in 2000, is a stewardship officer in Advancement. Her kind and caring nature serves her well in her work recognizing and honouring donors to Queen’s. Ms Logan will join the team of walkers and runners, sporting lots of pink, on run day.

“It’s been a great bonding experience for staff in Advancement, getting to know people outside their professional roles,” says Ms Snowdon. “Besides supporting Karen and raising money for a great cause, it’s helping people – mostly women – to get out and take some time for themselves and do something good for their health. It’s so inspiring to see people taking that first step.”

Ms Snowdon and Ms Wilkinson are encouraging everyone, including children, to join K. Lo’s Krew. To donate and learn more, visit the team’s Run for the Cure site and Facebook page.