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Zumba fundraising event scheduled

Donations sought for Mike Jones’ bone marrow transplant

Local Zumba instructor Gale Ogden is putting on a fitness charity event to support her nephew who has a very aggressive cancer – Hepatosplenic t-cell Lymphoma – and is awaiting a bone marrow transplant.

Mike Jones, 40, was born at 100 Mile District General Hospital and raised at the 108 Mile Ranch until he was a teenager when he moved to Nanaimo where he currently resides.

Last August, Jones was admitted to hospital in Nanaimo, where he was diagnosed with the cancer, and the search for a bone marrow donor began immediately. Fortunately, his sister, Sheri Hatton, was a good match, and the transplant is tentatively scheduled for Feb. 13.

After receiving permission to hold a fundraising event from “Zumba headquarters,” Ogden will be holding the Zumba fitness event for her nephew who is paying about $2,000 a month in medical costs and housing to live close to the hospital for ongoing cancer treatment and preparation for a transplant.

The event is slated for the 108 Community Centre – 2942 Telqua Drive – this Saturday (Feb. 8) from 10 to 11 a.m.

Ogden says it will be a fun, fundraising fitness class for both women and men, with easy-to-follow moves that will make people smile. Admission will be by donation.

Noting friends and students will be supporting her at this event, Ogden says she is excited about being able to help her nephew.

“Yes, there is interest and everybody seems to enjoy that type of class. It’s a party atmosphere and a lot of fun.”

People can come prepared to have a fun workout, she adds, or they can come down to just show their support by being there and making a donation if they like.

Folks, who are unable to come to the event but want to make a donation, can contact Odgen at galeogden@hotmail.com or phone 250-396-7381. In 100 Mile House, donations can be dropped off with Mike’s brother-in-law, Lyle Hatton, at Sunrise Ford – Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.