(July 5, 2026, Bracebridge, Ontario)…What began as one woman’s desire to make a difference while living with metastatic breast cancer turned into an overwhelming show of community generosity at an event that raised more than $23,000 in support of the Hudson Regional Cancer Centre (HRCC) at Royal Victoria Hospital (RVH) in Barrie, Ontario.
Over 130 people attended the “Solo Dance Walk” hosted by Kate Monk on June 21, 2026 at the former Bracebridge High School track, an event she organized to mark her one-year, post-diagnosis milestone and which brought together friends, neighbours, and supporters from across Canada to help improve cancer care close to home.
The HRCC is one of 14 provincially-funded oncology centres in Ontario, providing award-winning comprehensive care and access to crucial clinical trials while serving as a lifeline for thousands of residents across Muskoka and North Simcoe.
In addition to all the individual attendees and online donors who participated, the event also showcased the amazing generosity of the local business community, including Muskoka companies that donated services or items to the silent auction table.
“I never imagined such a huge response,” said Monk. “To see so many people come together to support Muskokans living with cancer and to have local businesses step up in such an powerful way was a very moving experience.”
As a metastatic breast cancer patient, Monk receives chemo treatment every three weeks at the HRCC, and will for the rest of her life.
“The HRCC is the place that is literally keeping me and thousands of others dealing with this brutal disease alive,” she said. “To be able to support the exceptional programs there with such a significant amount raised is a testament to Muskokans looking out for each other. I am truly grateful that working together we can all contribute to the centre’s important work.”
The event served as a reminder of the strength of community and the compassion that defines neighbours helping neighbours. Volunteers, donors, sponsors and attendees all played an important role in making the fundraiser such a remarkable success. While the fundraising goal was exponentially surpassed, the event’s greatest impact may be the awareness it brought to the realities of Muskokans directly affected by this disease, and also to the challenges faced by those affected indirectly, including caregivers.
“Cancer is relentless in the obstacles it throws at you daily,” said Monk. “Being able to support the HRCC and the oncology experts at RVH, as well as important critical trials, is another way to fight back. I am full of gratitude for all who participated and danced along with me.”
Special thanks to everyone who attended, to the day’s volunteers, and to the following businesses for their contributions:
Sherwood Inn
Santa’s Village
Lake of Bays Brewing Co., Bracebridge Barrelhouse
Taboo Muskoka Resort & Golf
Humble Pie Buttertart Factory & Pizzeria
30,000 Islands Cruise Lines
Muskoka Discovery Centre
Classy Cuts
Vita Fitness
Stephen’s Butcher Shop
North Ridge Ranch
The Creative Cook
Algonquin Theatre
Cast Iron Restaurant
Muskoka Loft
Explorers’ Edge
Knight Design
Smellie’s Printing
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Media Contact:
Kate Monk
Email [email protected]
About Queen’s Hill Consulting
Queen’s Hill Consulting is a Muskoka-based company specializing in strategic creativity and co-creative project development. The boutique agency works with businesses, not-for-profits, communities and individuals in all sectors to uncover insights, to spark originality and to drive meaningful, lasting impact.