In an effort to support a family part of Cochrane’s Filipino community, leaders and businesses in town will band together to support the Mendoza family as they struggle against a battle with brain cancer.
Lorilyn Mendoza was unfortunately diagnosed with cancer. As her time with her husband Chris and their two sons is slowly running out, several members of the community are working together to help reduce their financial burden by hosting a special fundraiser.
In a media event hosted by Dan Kroffat, he shared the story of Lorilyn’s battle with cancer and how it affected the Mendoza family.
“Lori has gone through four surgeries in the last year for brain cancer,” Kroffat explained. “She’s been sent home as of Tuesday with no hope, no more Chemo, no more radiation [therapy], she’s paralyzed on one side, and she’s incapacitated. This is going to add a lot of pressure to Chris and his family.”
On Feb. 17, those looking to support a fellow member of the community can stop by Giga’s Filipino Restaurant and make a $20 donation in exchange for lunch, from noon to 2 p.m. All funds raised funds will be dedicated to the Mendoza family.
Bubble Tea Brewers in Cochrane will host a special on bubble teas sold on the same day, with all money raised heading towards the fundraiser. In addition, Cochrane Toyota has also pledged to assist the Mendoza family for all the service needs of his vehicle for free.
To help support the event, Rocky Mountain Rotary Club will be covering costs associated with all the food supplies used for the day.
Mayor Genung said it is a heartbreaking event for the Mendoza family and he hopes to see the community support them in their time of need.
“I have much appreciated my interactions with the Filipino community of Cochrane,” Genung said. “They’ve been open and welcome to me, their events, and it’s the joy and caring they have for one another.
“For us as a community, that’s something we need more of. And they’ve been such a wonderful addition to Cochrane. To have the opportunity to give back, to their community in ours, I’m just grateful to have that opportunity to give back.”
Micheal and Moniq Bautista, President and Board of Director vice chairwoman for the Filipino Community Association of Cochrane Alberta (FCACA), have been at work in the community leading up to the event to help raise money through a variety of events.
They are both proud and happy to see the support from members of the community.
“As Filipino leaders in Cochrane, we are so happy to have this support,” Micheal said. “With the support of this community, we are so blessed.”
Through the support of everyone involved in Cochrane, Moniq added that it inspires Cochrane’s Filipino community to help do good for one another.
“FCACA is a big part of this event,” Moniq said. “They are the reason Mike and I keep moving and do what we are doing.
“Cochrane is very good to us. We became Canadian citizens because of Cochrane.”
Rocky Mountain Rotary Member, Alex Baum, said that there is no shortage of wonderful people in Cochrane. From a Rotary perspective, he said they always enjoy supporting the community.
“When we got the call from Dan, we said – Hey this is something we can actually make an impact on,” Baum said. “So, when we can back the individuals in our community that are in a tough situation, we always love to do so.”
Owner of Giga’s Pinoy Carinderia, Elizabeth Giga, said she feels very lucky to be able to support the fundraiser through her restaurant.
“I’m really willing to help their family, especially because Lori is my friend and I’m like her big sister,” Giga said. “Our family will do whatever we can to help. And I really appreciate that we are part of this.”
For each donation, guests will be able to enjoy traditional Filipino noodles, spring rolls, and adobo.
For those looking to donate to the Mendoza family, they may do so by contacting the Filipino Community Association of Cochrane Alberta. In addition, Kroffat said he will be willing to pick up any donations by contacting him via [email protected].
