In excess of 500 people are expected to attend the second annual Kailem’s Dog a Hog and Family Day later this month.
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Organisers have been busy planning the fundraiser which aims to raise money for the the Chris O’Brien Lifehouse Foundation and for families whose children have been touched by a terminal illness.
Kailem Barwick was just 19-years-old when he passed away in December 2016, after a battle with Ewing’s sarcoma.
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The inaugural event last year raised $27,000 for the Foundation, where Kailem underwent treatment.
Kailem’s father, Tony Barwick said they received lots of great feedback from 2017 fundraiser.
“And this year we’re looking to improve,” he said.
So far approximately 130 people have registered and Mr Barwick said he was overwhelmed with the response.
“The more hunters that register the more money we can raise,” he said.
“Ideally we want to spread the word of Ewing’s sarcoma… because it’s not as rare as people think.
“While it’d be great to find a cure, the Dog a Hog Day is about raising awareness and funds that will go into research.”
Mr Barwick said he’s been so humbled by the Dubbo community, who have been so supportive ever since Kailem’s story first came to light.
“And from people throughout the district and the entire hunting community,” he said.
“Kailem was just a good, down-to-earth kid. I’m very thankful for all of the support.
“So it’s just a nice day to remember him”
Mr Barwick said they want to help other families whose children are undergoing treatment for cancer or a terminal illness.
“Whether that be through accommodation subsidies, or money to help them take time off work,” Mr Barwick said.
“We just want to help where we can. Because when you get told your child has cancer your life gets turned upside down.
“We want to be in a position to take one less worry off of them in whatever they need.”
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.
To register is $90 per hunter, which includes entry and a customised Kailem shirt.
Registrations close July, 15.
Then from 1pm family friendly activities will be held including a jumping castle, Iron Kid Challenge, auctions, raffles.
Items such as beanies, hats and more will be for sale, which will all go towards the final total.
“The more money we raise the better, but whatever we do raise we’ll be happy with,” Mr Barwick said.
If anyone would like to come on board to be a sponsor, or to donate please visit the Facebook page