$6,000 was raised at a Date Night Fundraiser in Grunthal on Sunday.

Kristin Stam from Grunthal says she's hosted many fundraisers for a rare form of cancer called Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma, but this was the first time she spoke at an event. "It's something I've never done before, I was terrified but it was good. Many people came up to me and told me I was brave, and thanked me for sharing my story."

Stam says many people knew her daughter Ava had passed away from a brain tumour, but had only heard bits and pieces of her story. "They didn't know how truly horrible DIPG really is. I showed a video about the process of what the disease is like for a child, and I think that was a real eye opener. A lot of people were thankful to hear the truth about it."

After the silent auction and spaghetti dinner, served by the youth from Grunthal Abundant Life Fellowship Church, Stam says the worship team lead them in some of her family's favorite worship songs. “The whole evening was very personal and intimate. My family and I put a lot of work into it, and I think people felt like they were a part of something bigger that night.”

Stam notes she was amazed and blown away by the generosity of her small community, where $6,000 was raised through online donations and cash from the Date Night Dinner, just before Valentine's Day.

The money raised will go directly to the research department at SickKids in Winnipeg. Stam says, "I have a connection with Dr. Hawkins at SickKids who does DIPG research. I have been corresponding with her for years, and I can guarantee the money will go directly to her lab. I have worked really hard to be able to do that."

Read More: Date Night Reminds Us To Make Time For Loved Ones



Kristin Stam with the Abundant Life Fellowship Church youth group who served the Date Night spaghetti dinner Sunday.