Kristin’s Camino Sprints Past the Finish Line – and the Fundraising Goal

Community unites to raise over $123,000 for vital cancer diagnostic equipment at Belleville General Hospital

What began as a deeply personal journey has become a remarkable community achievement. The Belleville General Hospital Foundation is proud to announce that Kristin’s Camino—a 10-day, 140-kilometre pilgrimage across Spain—has raised an incredible $123,430, surpassing its original $101,000 goal to purchase a new tissue processor for the Regional Laboratory at Belleville General Hospital.

Led by cancer survivor Kristin Crowe, along with friends and fellow walkers Doug Peterson and Judi Rufo, the group completed the final leg of the Camino de Santiago, walking between 10–15 kilometers a day and sharing the emotional highs and lows of the trek. The team reached the finish line in Santiago de Compostela, filled with gratitude, reflection, and awe at the outpouring of support from back home.

“For all of us, this was about more than just the physical walk,” said Judi Rufo. “It was about friendship—how powerful it is to walk beside people when they are vulnerable, when they are strong, and when they need you most.”

Doug Peterson echoed that sentiment, saying, “Being surrounded by strong, fiercely independent women like Kristin and Judi reminded me how deeply courage and resilience live in our community. I’ve never been more inspired.”

While the trio walked the ancient path in Spain, the community rallied around them in real-time. One of the final acts of generosity came from local business L’Auberge de France, where owner Sheranda Griffiths hosted a coffee morning fundraiser—just one of many kind gestures that brought the total beyond expectations.

“What started as a last-minute idea quickly turned into something powerful,” said Kristin Crowe, who has courageously faced a 14-year journey with cancer. “We weren’t just walking for ourselves. We were walking for every person in this region who may one day rely on faster, more accurate diagnosis through improved lab equipment.”

The funds raised will support the purchase of a new tissue processor, a critical piece of equipment that plays a vital role in diagnosing cancer. The processor prepares biopsy samples for pathologists, significantly speeding up and improving the accuracy of diagnoses that will impact patients across the entire Quinte Health catchment area.

The initiative was launched with a generous $25,000 matching gift from BGHF Board Chair Wayne Shepheard, which served as a catalyst in mobilizing early donations. A heartfelt farewell party at the Belleville Club helped kick things off, as community leaders and supporters came forward with generosity and encouragement.

“This community continues to give in ways that move us,” said Steven Cook, Executive Director of the Belleville General Hospital Foundation. “Kristin’s Camino reminded us that when people come together for something meaningful, anything is possible.”

Wayne Shepheard added: “We’re stronger together. That’s the message at the heart of this campaign—and it’s the spirit that keeps healthcare strong across this region.”

To learn more about Kristin’s Camino and the impact it will have on patients across the region, visit bghf.ca/kristins-camino.