Sisters Walk 50 km for Cancer Research to Honour Their Father

Sisters Haleigh Fenton and Cassidy Cole are undertaking a remarkable challenge by walking 50 kilometres this September to raise funds for cancer research in honour of their father, Wade Fenton. Their journey comes after a harrowing year marked by Wade’s diagnosis of terminal glioblastoma, a type of brain cancer with a low survival rate.

Wade’s health crisis began on May 24, 2023, when he suffered a focal seizure. Following a CT scan in hospital, doctors discovered a mass in his brain. Initially, the prognosis appeared hopeful, as physicians assured the family that such masses are benign 90% of the time. Wade, along with his wife Dani and daughters Haleigh and Cassidy, held onto optimism during this uncertain period.

Two months later, on July 24, 2023, Wade underwent brain surgery in Vancouver. Remarkably, he remained awake during the procedure, engaging with the medical team of 18 professionals. The surgeons managed to remove approximately 95% of the mass, but concerns lingered regarding its appearance. Post-surgery, Wade returned home, seemingly recovering well; however, just 16 days later, the family received devastating news. Wade was diagnosed with terminal glioblastoma and given a prognosis of four months to live without treatment or one year with treatment options.

Cassidy recalled the moment they received the news: “That was like a huge gut punch. How is this actually happening?” Following the diagnosis, Haleigh moved back to Quesnel from Vancouver, where she had been working for the Vancouver Canucks, to support her family.

Wade began a rigorous treatment regimen, involving daily trips for radiation and chemotherapy. Despite the grueling schedule, he remained determined. “What causes this?” he asked one of his doctors, who candidly replied, “It’s just bad luck… there are so many factors.”

In a surprising turn, Wade completed his final chemotherapy treatment in April 2024, with doctors reporting that while he still had cancer, the tumour had shrunk. The family celebrated this milestone one year after his surgery, acknowledging that less than five percent of glioblastoma patients survive beyond the first year. “One year is significant,” Haleigh explained. “It’s really special.”

That year was filled with cherished moments, including Wade and Dani celebrating their 24th wedding anniversary on August 4, 2024. Wade also welcomed the birth of his granddaughter, Charlie, and attended his daughter Cassidy’s engagement, experiences he had feared he would miss due to his diagnosis.

Despite the challenges, Wade has embraced his remaining time, ticking off items on his bucket list. He attended a NASCAR race, enjoyed a concert by AC/DC, and visited Cuba. The family also organized a fundraiser in Quesnel that attracted nearly 300 attendees, reflecting Wade’s deep community ties. “It was really special for my dad,” Haleigh said.

As the family navigated Wade’s illness, they focused on making the most of their time together, planning vacations and family gatherings. Haleigh described her mother, Dani, as the “eternal optimist,” who has played a crucial role in maintaining a positive atmosphere. In contrast, Wade approaches his diagnosis with logic and calm.

Unfortunately, following the one-year celebration, a subsequent MRI revealed troubling news: Wade’s tumour had quadrupled in size. “It’s really sinking in now for everyone,” Cassidy noted, adding that Wade is experiencing memory loss. Despite these challenges, the family remains united and supportive, with friends and community members rallying around them.

In light of the limited treatment options for glioblastoma, Haleigh and Cassidy decided to walk 50 kilometres to raise funds for the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) and promote awareness for glioblastoma research. Haleigh was inspired by a CCS advertisement and organized a fundraising team named Wade’s Warriors. To date, they have raised $3,300, with additional donations coming in through Haleigh’s personal fundraising page.

“Unless some miracle drug comes out tomorrow, I think we’ve done all that we can do,” Haleigh said. “But the hope is that families like ours will have a chance in the future.” The sisters invite anyone interested to join them in their walk throughout September, encouraging participants to track their progress on Strava and share their experiences online.

Haleigh recently shared a video on social media that unexpectedly resonated with many, garnering support from individuals across the globe facing similar challenges. “It makes my sister and me feel more connected and less alone,” she explained.

Wade, a long-time member of the Quesnel community, has fond memories of restoring cars with his brother and spending time with family and friends. Through it all, his family remains hopeful and dedicated to honouring his legacy while advocating for better treatment options for glioblastoma patients.

For those interested in joining Wade’s Warriors and supporting the 50-kilometre walk in September, more information is available on the CCS fundraising page: [Wade’s Warriors](https://fundraisemyway.cancer.ca/teams/7720).