Hundreds descend from downtown rooftop in support of cancer patients

Kaitlyn Ferraro rappels down CIBC Building at Brave Day event. (Photo courtesy of Kaitlyn Ferraro)

Eyes were trained skyward Saturday morning in downtown Windsor as hundreds of people took part in Brave Day to support cancer research fundraising.

More than 100 people rappelled down the CIBC Building on Riverside Drive as part of a Windsor Cancer Centre Foundation Show Us Your Brave campaign event.

Fundraising participants were invited to put away their own fears in support of cancer patients.

Participants were outfitted with safety harnesses, helmets and smiles that likely hid the butterflied stomachs of those set to descend from the roof of the 170-foot building in what was called a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

WE-Spark Health Institute’s Lisa Porter, Windsor Cancer Centre medical oncologists Dr. Sindu Kanjeekal and Dr. Caroline Hamm were among those taking part in support of the patients they treat every day.

Lisa Porter, Houida Kassem and Caroline Hamm prepare to rappel at Brave Day event.

(Photo courtesy of WE-Spark Health Institute)

Erie Shores HealthCare CEO Kristin Kennedy and Windsor Regional Hospital CEO Karen Riddell (BScN 1989) also took part.

UWindsor Biomedical Science student Kaitlin Ferraro was among the participants.

As a volunteer at Windsor Regional Hospital’s Cancer Centre, she sees the brave face that patients bring to their appointments and treatments. In turn, she wanted to demonstrate her own bravery while making an impact towards cancer research fundraising.

“It was definitely one of the scariest things I’ve ever done,” remarked Ferraro.

“I wanted to show all of the patients that no matter how brave rappelling 170 feet may seem, no one is braver than them.”

Kaitlyn Ferraro celebrates descending 170 feet from top of CIBC Building. (Photo courtesy of Kaitlyn Ferraro)

Ferraro raised $2,000 towards the Foundation’s campaign goal of $350,000.

According to Windsor Cancer Centre Foundation’s website, nearly 115,000 patient visits took place at the Windsor Regional Cancer Centre.

The Show Us Your Brave campaign challenges fundraisers to commit to raising funds while stepping outside of their comfort zone, all in support of cancer patients in our community.

By John-Paul Bonadonna. Courtesy: https://www.uwindsor.ca/news/2025-06-26/hundreds-descend-downtown-rooftop-support-cancer-patients