Making a difference when it is personal

Lauren Clarfield (c) was 11 years old when her father, Michael, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, one of the leading causes of cancer deaths in Canada.

It wasn't until the summer of 2012, while participating along side her father in the Ride to Conquer Cancer, that she realized just how lucky she was that her father defied the odds and is a rare pancreatic cancer survivor.

During her bike ride, Lauren was inspired to create Compete for the Cure, a sporting event for high school students to make a difference and give back to charity.

The one-day dodgeball and basketball inaugural tournament was held on Sunday January 12th and included almost 400 Grade 11 and 12 students from 20 local high schools and has already raised $70,000. 

Proceeds from this event went toward supporting research, education and treatment programs. "We hope to have it annually and have new people take on leadership roles and sort of pass on the torch as they get older,” she said.

With the successful inaugural event under her belt, Lauren expanded her vision and held Compete for the Cure 2015 on January 11th. The Event raised more than $100,000 and had iver 400 high school students participating and contributing to this important cause.

Lauren has plans to expand this event to major cities across Canada. If you are interested in getting involved, contact us at info@pancancanada.ca. 

Video Coverage

Media coverage for this event 

On the January 4th, 2014 Globe and Mail, Paul Waldie wrote a story on Lauren who created this amazing fundraising initiative - click here to read this interview -  Putting her own spin on fundraising for cancer research

Metro News also did a story on January 10th, 2014 - 17-year old behind Compete for the Cure took action after father's brush with cancer.

Libby Znaimer - Zoomer Radio - interview with Lauren  -2014 aired on Sunday Jan12th, 2014