1-hr Solo Dance Walk intended to showcase the realities of dealing with the disease
For Immediate Release
(Muskoka, April 9, 2026)…One year after being diagnosed with triple negative metastatic breast cancer, a local Muskoka woman is marking the occasion by hosting a special fundraiser for the Hudson Regional Cancer Centre (HRCC) at Royal Victoria Hospital (RVH) in Barrie, Ontario.
The HRCC is one of 14 provincially-funded oncology centres in Ontario, providing award-winning comprehensive care and access to crucial clinical trials, and also serving as a lifeline for thousands of residents across Muskoka and North Simcoe.
On Saturday, June 20, 2026, local resident Kate Monk will host a 1-hr Solo Dance Walk at the former Bracebridge & Muskoka Lakes Secondary School track, located on Armstrong Street (off Wellington Street). Dance walking was chosen to reflect how she personally chooses to battle her chronic disease.
“Everyone whose been diagnosed with and treated for cancer knows how awful it can get, particularly side effects from the medicine,” said Kate. “For me, even on my darkest days, music was the one thing that could get me out of bed and get me moving. I’d put on the headphones, crank the tunes, and my toes would start tapping. I call it ‘dance walking’, and its been incredibly important in my fight against this determined opponent.”
She noted that often cancer patients don’t have the energy for any activity at all, so moving to a melody and beat can serve as important exercise, even if only for a few minutes a day.
“Like many cancer patients in treatment, I don’t have the energy to fundraise doing any of the classic events, such as running, biking, hiking or swimming,” Kate said. “But I can dance walk. I hope members of the community, including cancer patients, survivors and their caregivers, will come tap their toes too as I loop my old high school track to raise important funds for the Hudson Cancer Centre at RVH.”
Kate Monk is particularly pleased to give back to the centre as she marks one year since diagnosis.
“I go for treatment every three weeks and it’s not unusual at all to bump into fellow Muskokans who are also dealing with cancer,” she said. “In the chemo suite alone, the dedicated oncology nurses will often see about 100 patients daily. It is an incredibly important place for people who are fighting for their lives.”
Event Details
What: 1-Hour Solo Dance Walk Fundraiser
Date: Saturday, June 20, 2026
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Location: Former Bracebridge & Muskoka Lakes Secondary School Track (Armstrong Street entrance off of Wellington)
The event promises a fun and welcoming atmosphere, featuring:
- Silent auction
- Prize for “Best Cheer Squad Sign”
- Event-day draws, including a two-night stay at beautiful Sherwood Inn on Lake Joseph
Why dance walking and why only an hour?
Dance walking has become Kate’s personal way to stay active through challenging, life-extending treatment. With compromised energy levels, even small movements matter. The main event will last only one hour (starting at 10:30am), reflecting Kate’s current limited stamina.
Community participation encouraged
Attendees don’t have to dance but are welcome to join in. Back-up dancers, kids and pets are welcome. Attendees are asked to bring a fold-up chair if they’d prefer to sit. Coffee and treats will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
How to support
Community members can contribute by:
- Sponsoring a song in the 1-hr event playlist
- Participating in the Silent Auction
- Making cash or e-transfer donations on-site
- Donating directly to RVH (QR code available at the event)
To sponsor or get involved, email [email protected]
Who Should Attend
Everyone is welcome, especially individuals and families in Muskoka who have been impacted by cancer, along with their friends, caregivers, and supporters.
This is a rain-or-shine event.
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Media Contact:
Kate Monk
Email [email protected]