ALISON JEAN BAILES (GARNETT)

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ALISON JEAN BAILES (nee GARNETT) It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Alison Jean Bailes, aged 53 years, with her family by her side at the St. Boniface Hospital on July 21, 2003 following a lengthy illness. Alison was a devoted mother to her children, Cameron and Michelle and was survived by her brother Lawrie. She was predeceased by her parents, Bill and Irene; and brother Ronald. Alison was born in Calgary on December 3, 1949. She received her degree in nursing from University of Manitoba and went on to become a nurse educator. She used her own personal diagnosis of breast cancer in 1990 as the catalyst for devoting countless hours to improving access to more effective diagnosis, treatment and support for individuals and families living with breast cancer. She had a gift for listening and counselling women with breast cancer and was a strong advocate on their behalf. Alison organized "Together", the first breast cancer support group for women in Manitoba. This group evolved into Breast Cancer Action Manitoba, a nationally affiliated support group for women living with breast cancer. She was a member of the Manitoba Breast Cancer Advisory Council and chair of the Advocates Committee of the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority Comprehensive Breast Health Strategy. She helped establish the state-of-the-art Breast Health Centre and recently she was instrumental in creating the CancerCare Manitoba Breast Cancer Centre of Hope - Quality of Life Fund. Due to all of these achievements and many more, she was the recipient of the Guardian Angel Breast Cancer Award of Distinction for 2002. Alisons life was epitomized by her devotion to her children and her will to live. Funeral services will be conducted on Saturday, July 26, at 2:00 p.m. in the Thomson Funeral Chapels, 669 Broadway. A gathering of friends will follow. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Breast Cancer Action Manitoba or CancerCare Manitoba Breast Cancer Centre of Hope - Quality of Life Fund. THOMSON Funeral Chapels - 669 Broadway - 783-7211

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 25, 2003