Lockerby raises $54,000 for cancer – Thanks the community for its generosity

Lockerby Composite School raised an incredible $54,000 in the “Remembering Laura Cotesta, Kids Caring for Kids” Cancer Drive held last night (Thursday, October 25, 2012).

Some 550 students and staff canvassed door-to-door from 6 pm to 9 pm to raise funds for the Northern Cancer Research Foundation.

This year marked the 17th anniversary of Lockerby’s tribute to former student Laura Cotesta who left the school with a legacy.

Laura started this campaign while she was attending Lockerby, but also while she was fighting her own battle with cancer.

She saw cancer only as an obstacle in life, one that she was determined to overcome and live through.

“Lockerby Composite School has kept Laura in the hearts and minds of all students by fulfilling her dream of continuing the Cancer Drive,” said Lockerby Composite School Principal Heather Gaffney.

The amount raised this year brings the total the school has raised to date to $604,000 for pediatric cancer care in the north.

“We thank the citizens of Greater Sudbury for their tremendous generosity," said Principal Gaffney.

"We surpassed our goal. What a tribute to our school and our community.”

Laura viewed cancer as an opportunity – an opportunity to raise awareness and to fund a pediatric cancer care facility in Sudbury.

Tired of traveling to Toronto for treatments and unwilling to wait for someone else to act on this, Laura took up the challenge.

Laura and a group of friends founded the “Kids Caring for Kids” Cancer Drive.

After realizing her dream of graduating from high school, Laura left Lockerby and subsequently passed away.

"Laura’s quiet courage and perseverance remain her legacy to Lockerby and lives on in the generosity of each and every donor," said Principal Gaffney.

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Media Contact:
Heather Gaffney, Principal, Lockerby Composite School,
Rainbow District School Board, 705-522-1750.