Local Cancer Warrior embarks on trek to fund life-saving equipment

Local Cancer Warrior Kristin Crowe Embarks on Camino Trek — Community Encouraged to Donate and Double Their Impact

What started as a personal gesture of support by Doug Peterson and Judi Rufo of Rufo Real Estate has grown into a region-wide movement of hope. Deeply inspired by their close friend and cancer survivor Kristin Crowe, Doug and Judi are accompanying her on a 10-day trek along the Camino de Santiago in the north of Spain to raise funds for life-saving cancer care at Belleville General Hospital. The campaign, known as Kristin’s Camino, aims to raise $101,000 to purchase a critical piece of oncology lab equipment—a new tissue processor— critical in the diagnosis of biopsy samples taken from cancer patients.

Kristin’s story is one of enduring resilience. Over 14 years, she has faced breast, lung, and brain cancer. Most recently, she underwent brain surgery that left her with 50% vision loss—yet she remains determined to give back. Her decision to take on this physically and emotionally demanding journey reflects the strength of so many patients walking their own path through cancer.

“This is about giving others the gift of time—of earlier diagnosis, better treatment, and more moments with the people they love,” says Judi Rufo, BGHF Board Member. “We’re walking for every patient who needs care closer to home, and we’re asking our community to walk with us by making a donation. Your support matters more than ever.”

What Will the Funds Support?

At the heart of the campaign is the urgent need for a new tissue processor in Belleville General Hospital’s laboratory. This essential piece of equipment prepares biopsy tissue samples for pathologists to examine—a critical first step in diagnosing cancer. A new processor will:

• Speed up cancer diagnoses, reducing delays in starting treatment
• Increase accuracy, helping ensure patients receive the right treatment
• Expand capacity, helping reduce the backlog of biopsy testing
• Improve outcomes, because when it comes to cancer, time is everything

Every Donation Matched – Double Your Impact

To inspire the community to rally behind Kristin’s journey, BGHF Board Chair Wayne Sheppard has generously committed a $25,000 matching gift—meaning all donations will be matched dollar for dollar.

“We all know someone affected by cancer,” says Sheppard. “By matching these donations, I’m empowering our community to make a lasting impact together. There’s no better time to give—your donation today will go twice as far.”

Follow Kristin’s Journey

Throughout the Camino trek, BGHF will post regular video updates and blog entries so donors and supporters can follow along. Kristin’s reflections, shared in real time, will show the heart behind this mission and the impact your donation makes.

Visit www.bghf.ca/kristins-camino to:

• Make a donation
• Track Kristin’s progress

“This isn’t just about Kristin’s Camino,” says Steven Cook, Executive Director of BGHF. “It’s about every patient who has waited for answers. Every person fighting for a diagnosis. Every family praying for more time. Together, we can make that difference.