Sutton is still fighting for cancer patients

KINGSTON — During her six and one-half year battle with breast cancer, Kathleen Sutton had to deal with traveling back and forth between Kitsap and Seattle for cancer treatments at Swedish Medical Center.

She and those who drove her witnessed first hand how such traveling could be a financial burden after paying for ferry tickets, parking and gas.

“I thought it was horrendous, the amount of money,” said Vivi-Ann Parnell, who often took Sutton to her doctors’ appointments.

To help women in North Kitsap who have had to deal with the same situation, Sutton, Parnell and others organized a fund-raiser last year to help defer transportation costs for North End women diagnosed with breast cancer. The event raised $5,000 and the group was able to help several families.

After Sutton died in April, organizers renamed the effort the “Kathleen Sutton Inspirational Fund” and will be holding the second annual fund-raiser from 1-5 p.m. Oct. 17 at the Kingston Cove Yacht Club.

There will be silent auction, with bidding starting at 1 p.m. and closing at 3:30 p.m. Hors d’oeuvres will be served and there will be an open bar available. There is a suggested donation of $25 at the door.

The items up for bid include a week’s condo stay in Hawaii, car services, fitness memberships, high tea parties, crushed gravel, horse riding lessons and a European carriage stroller.

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