Aug 27, 2008 - 03:03 PM

By Parvaneh Pessian

WHITBY -- Like thousands of other people embarking on the Weekend to End Breast Cancer walk in September, Kim Gonneau has her own cancer story.

The Whitby woman came in contact with the effects of the illness when her sister-in-law, Sally Pitre, was diagnosed two years ago and since then has become an unstoppable force behind the cause.

Last year Ms. Gonneau raised $21,900 -- a record she has already beaten this year with a total of $26,895 to date. And she's not stopping there. Her ultimate goal is $33,333 and with help from the community, she's well on her way.

"I've had such an amazing response from people in Oshawa and Whitby," she said. "Everyone is somehow affected by cancer and there's been so much support from the community."

Ms. Gonneau ranks No. 5 in the top 10 fundraisers from Toronto and surrounding areas. Thousands of people raise funds every year leading up to the big weekend of the 60-kilometre walk on Sept. 5, 6 and 7 in Toronto.

Participants are required to raise a minimum of $2,000 but many, like Ms. Gonneau, go above and beyond that. The total raised last year was $17.2 million from 5,521 fundraisers.

All proceeds benefit the Princess Margaret Hospital, a leader in the fight against cancer and the largest institution in Canada exclusively devoted to cancer treatment, research, and education.

Ms. Gonneau puts a creative spin on her fundraising efforts by giving away small tokens of gratitude for the donations. The gifts include beaded bookmarks, charms and keychains -- many of which she has made herself. She spends her free time beading all year round, with the help of her daughter, Amanda.

Ms. Gonneau's method of fundraising steers away from asking people to donate and instead aims to lead by example. She sets up her booth at various locations, hoping to attract people to the cause with the bright pink accessories. She encourages anyone to share a story about their own experience with the illness.

"How much money I've raised is equivalent to how many people's lives are touched," she said, adding that it's the personal connection with the people she meets that makes it all worthwhile.

Event organizers encourage people to find original ways to spread the word to bring in donations. Fundraising empowers walkers, said Christine Lasky, vice-president of strategic initiatives for the Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation.

"I think (Kim's fundraising method) is fabulous," she said. "It certainly takes an extra amount of commitment, energy and motivation on her part."

When she participated in the walk event for the first time last year, Ms. Gonneau said she was in excruciating pain and unable to walk for three days afterwards.

But that didn't stop her from continuing the efforts this year and even though her sister-in-law is cancer-free today, Ms. Gonneau remains devoted to the cause.

"The experience (of doing the trek) is indescribable," she said. "I plan on doing it as long as I can walk."

Ms. Gonneau is excited to be one of the top fundraisers and is hopeful about reaching her goal. But said she wouldn't mind dropping a few spots lower on the list.

"Even if I'm not No. 1, that's OK, because it just means more people are donating money," she said. "I'd love to be bumped off the list -- that's a good thing if it happens."

To help Ms. Gonneau conquer her fundraising goal, visit her personal page at www.hopebloomspink.com or for more information on Weekend to End Breast Cancer, go to www.endcancer.ca.