The family and friends of a much-loved Dubbo man who touched the hearts of an entire community, will once again be holding a fundraiser that revolved around one of his favourite past times.
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Kailem Barwick was just 19-years-old when he passed away in December 2016, after a battle with Ewing’s sarcoma. He had been diagnosed with the rare form of bone cancer in 2014.
Last October, his family, friends and people from across the country, came together for the Kailem Barwick Dog a Hog Day For Cancer.
Approximately 350 people turned out for the event.
The event raised $27,000 for the Chris O’Brien Lifehouse Foundation, where Kailem underwent treatment. The great success of the inaugural event left organisers over the moon.
Kailem’s father Tony Barwick said last year that his son had loved pig hunting and it gave him something to focus on other than his illness and treatment.
Through hunting Kailem had made some “really good friends”, who remained there for the family.
His family and friends hope to raise double the amount at this year’s Fundraiser, with proceeds again going to the Foundation and to families experiencing a similar situation to Kailem’s.
Karen Barwick, Kailem’s aunt, said they want to help other families whose children need cancer treatment.
Kailem just loved life. He just loved making people laugh.
- Karen Barwick
“This year we hope to raise as much money as possible for the Chris O’Brien Lifehouse… the other amount (raised at the fundraiser) will help other families whose children are needing extensive cancer treatment,” she said.
“Tony and his family know that just by the click of a finger how a whole life can get turned upside down.”
Karen described Kailem as a kind person, a real country boy and a loveable larrikin.
“Kailem just loved life. He just loved making people laugh,” she said.
The 2018 Kailem Barwick Dog a Hog Day For Cancer will be held on July, 28 at the Crossroads Hotel, Tomingley. The weigh-in will commence at 9am and will go until 12pm.
Then from 1pm family friendly activities will be held including a jumping castle, Iron Kid Challenge, auctions, a hunters dance off and much more.
Donations for auction prizes are starting to come through as are entries.
For more information, or to register your interest to enter the competition please search for ‘Kailems Dog a Hog and Family Day’ on Facebook.