Aimee Smith-Brown touched a lot of people in her 31 years, before dying of cancer on the evening of Tuesday, Aug. 5. Friends of the Lake Cowichan woman are now banding together with a series of fundraisers to help out her husband and five daughters.
"She had an infectious smile," remembered Saldana Skramstad. "She was an amazing woman."
Smith-Brown was diagnosed with cancer in January, but bounced back and got the all-clear from her doctor shortly afterwards, Skramstad said.
About a month later she got the bad news after some routine tests: the cancer had spread to her kidneys and lymph nodes.
"Then, it was really fast," Skramstad said. On Sunday, Aug. 3, Smith-Brown married her husband, whom she had been with for 11 years.
Her death leaves the care of Smith-Brown's five daughters to him, which is "a lot of financial strain to carry," Skramstad said.
To help the family cope, friends have set up an account at Island Savings with the number 2370278, where folks can donate.
There will be a bottle drive at Lake Cowichan Secondary School on Saturday, Aug. 16 at 8:30 a.m., with proceeds going to the family.
There are accounts open at the Lake Cowichan and Duncan bottle depots under the name Aimee Smith.
There is also a burger and beer night on Sept. 21 at Just Jakes in Lake Cowichan. Fifty per cent of the proceeds from all food purchases after 4:30 p.m. will go to Aimee's family. There will be a shuttle to and from Duncan, a 50/50 draw, a silent auction and local band The Sugar Beetles will provide entertainment. Organizers are looking for items for a silent auction; those interested in donating can call Natasha at 250-701-7152.
There is also a Fund Me page online where people can donate: http://www.gofundme. com/64b0eg If anyone has any questions about any of the fundraiser, call Skramstad at 250-701-7197.