Jordan’s Bash for Hope is all set to go this weekend.
Friday evening and all of Saturday will see live music, local vendors, and North Bay residents converge downtown to raise money for the fight against colon cancer.
The event is the brainchild of local paramedic Jordan Gardiner, who three years ago at the age of 28, and only five days before his wedding, was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer.
“It was the worst day of my life,” says Gardiner of when he heard the news. “Everybody that hears the word cancer, it’s devastating. […] The doctor told me I had 6 months to live, and with chemo, I’d live possibly up to two years.”
Gardiner says he went through a dark period after his diagnosis.
“[A lot of people were] doing fundraisers for me when I was diagnosed. I didn’t appreciate them as much as I would’ve wanted to because I was in that dark place, and it was a very difficult time for me,” he shares. “I was sitting at chemo one day and I got this idea to put on this fundraiser and didn’t think it would come to be. It was an idea or a thought. It wasn’t anything specific. It was just like ‘I can do more. I can help people and inspire them.”
Gardiner says the goal of the event isn’t necessarily about the money that’s raised, but to share his story and journey to give people hope and inspire them. Most importantly, it’s also about sharing other people’s stories as well.
“Everybody’s story deserves and needs to be heard,” he says.
Gardiner says many people have approached him in town and as far as Toronto sharing their stories, or that they’ll be travelling to attend.
“Hearing all these stories, and all the people I’ve met through this event and this journey it’s crazy. It’s crazy to hear each story because each story is so different,” he says.
Gardiner was a varsity volleyball player, so the event will feature a beach volleyball tournament with 20 teams, along with 20 local bands who are donating their time to play throughout.
He is encouraging everyone to join him on Friday and Saturday this week for what he hopes will become an annual event. “We will have tickets available at Lou Dawgs for $20.00, both evenings and we welcome fans during the day at the Vision volleyball courts. Local vendors, stores, sponsors, and companies have been so generous with us, because of their support we were able to put this event on and include games, draws, and many donated prizes to give away!” Jordan states.
Main St. will also be closed between Fraser and Ferguson Streets this Friday and all day Saturday.
The $20 Wristbands are also at the gate.
To find out more, click here.
