Sarah Cormier says she always knew her mother was important to many a Sackvillian. “It’s almost part of my identity,” says Cormier. “I say, ‘oh, I’m Mrs. Maxwell’s daughter,’ when I’m trying to explain to someone how I’m related to people.” But even so, once Cormier started organizing a fundraiser to help her mother with her stage 4 cancer treatment, she was overwhelmed by the response.

Cormier has received messages and pictures harkening back to Susan Maxwell’s many decades as a teacher in the Tantramar area.

“Whether she taught you or your parents, your children, your siblings, it just seems that she’s really touched a lot of lives in Sackville,” says Cormier. She’s heard from people saying, “oh, she was my favourite teacher, or she really got me through high school… I remember her being so caring and so funny.”

“It’s a bit overwhelming, to be honest,” says Cormier. “It’s kind of a troubling time for us right now, and so the memories have been really great.”

The fundraiser organized by Cormier and her partner culminates in an event this Saturday at the Sackville Legion, featuring musical performances, a silent auction, 50-50 draw and raffles. The pair have also set up a GoFundMe page to make it easier for people near and far to contribute. The money will go towards covering the costs of Maxwell’s care.

“There’s a lot of unknown costs that come up with a cancer diagnosis,” says Cormier, “whether it be medications, or someone to help you out in the home.” Cormier says even getting the usual bills paid after an serious illness diagnosis can be challenging. “We just really want to help her out, so that she’s able to really just focus on beating cancer and staying healthy,” says Cormier.

The doors open at 6pm on Saturday, and the music is expected to start at 7pm. Cormier says “quite a few wonderful things” have been donated for the silent auction, and some larger items will be raffled off. For those who can’t make it to the end of the evening, Cormier says there will be the option to leave a name and number and be contacted later.

Cormier says the family is thankful for “all this generosity and the support that we’ve gotten from the community and beyond. We’re just really appreciative of every little bit.”