Communiqué 

A breast cancer patient has made a brave statement during her treatment that inspired people to contribute to a Go Fund Me campaign that contributed $5,350 to the BMP Hospital Oncology fund.  After Arlene Gibson McKellar was diagnosed with breast cancer, she underwent surgery and is now undergoing chemotherapy. Last July, she decided to start a fundraising campaign.  “It will be a long road to recovery, but I am up for the battle. I have so much to fight for as I not only have the business but husband, family and our adopted 6-year-old grandson,” wrote Arlene on her Go Fund Me page. 

Arlene is the co-owner of Ding’s Garage in Knowlton with her husband Billy. On July 23, she held an event at the garage when she had her hair shaved in preparation for chemotherapy. She said she would donate her hair to make a child’s wig. Her husband and the garage’s chief mechanic Geoff Simmonds also shaved their heads in exchange for pledges to the successful fundraising campaign. Arlene is still working while she is getting chemotherapy.