London, Ont. — Two young sisters from Southwestern Ontario have channeled their creativity into a personal tribute to their late grandmother, raising more than $3,500 for pancreatic cancer research.
After losing their grandmother, Bonnie “Omi” Hartley, to stage 4 pancreatic cancer last year, 11-year-old Everly and 9-year-old Charlotte Hartley launched a fundraiser with a personal connection.
They sold handmade dog bandanas for $10 each, donating every dollar to the Baker Centre for Pancreatic Cancer at London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC), the same place where their grandmother received care.
“It feels really good to know we might be helping someone,” the girls said. “We just wanted to do something kind and we think our Omi would be really proud of us.”
Their mother shared how meaningful the experience was for the entire family.
“After donating the money, we took a little break from sewing since we had made the bandanas our priority last year,” she said. "It felt like closing a chapter, but we hope to start up again in the fall.”
Pancreatic cancer remains one of the most challenging cancers to treat, often diagnosed at an advanced stage when fewer options are available. Despite advances in cancer research, it continues to have one of the lowest survival rates with only nine per cent of patients surviving five years post-diagnosis.
“Everly and Charlotte’s dedication to raising funds for the Baker Centre in memory of their grandmother is a powerful testament to the impact of pancreatic cancer,” said Dr. Stephen Welch, medical oncologist at the Verspeeten Family Cancer Centre (VFCC). “We are deeply grateful for their compassion and creativity. Their generous gift will provide meaningful support to patients at the Baker Centre, reminding them that they are not alone on their journey.”
Thanks to donor support, the Baker Centre has been running several clinical trials to explore new diagnostic and treatment options. Serving the entire Southwestern region of Ontario, the centre’s research includes quality-improvement databases, genetic testing and other innovative therapies.
“The generosity shown by Everly and Charlotte is a beautiful example of how giving, no matter the amount—can make a lasting difference,” said John H. MacFarlane, president and CEO of London Health Sciences Foundation. “It’s the act of giving that fuels progress and brings hope to those facing devastating diagnoses like pancreatic cancer.”
The sisters’ story resonated with the community, sparking support from those who purchased bandanas and helped share the initiative on social media. Everly and Charlotte hope their efforts will lead to better outcomes for patients and plan to relaunch their project later this year.
To support the Baker Centre or learn more, visit: lhsf.ca/paws