The Chris Knox Foundation Inc. officially kicked off on June 12, to provide opportunities for young people with cancer to attend sporting and cultural events throughout Saskatchewan.

The Foundation was formed in honour of Chris Knox, who lost his battle to cancer in December 2007, at the age of 24. Last November, almost $103,000 was raised to send Chris along with his family and ten other young cancer patients and their caregivers to Toronto for the Grey Cup game.

Foundation president, Kelly Schermann, was thrilled to see the vision of so many people connected to Chris and the 10 other young people with cancer who were given the opportunity to attend last year's Grey Cup come to fruition. "This foundation is not just a celebration of Chris' life and the inspiration he provide to so many others, it is much more than that; it is a celebration of life in its totality."

"The most powerful message I took from my encounter with the young cancer patients in Toronto was to live life to the fullest, regardless of how long, or short life may be, and to live it to the fullest regardless of limitations," said Schermann. "That is what these very sick young people are doing each and every day and we can all learn from how they handle the most difficult of times."

"I am a very proud citizen of Saskatchewan, a very proud Rider fan and above all, a very, very proud mother. Who would have thought that my youngest son Christopher would have inspired so many to give from their hearts and bring us all here to celebrate the legacy he left behind?" said Sharla Folk at the event. "The legacy he left behind will allow other children and young adults fighting cancer to make dreams come true and to give families lasting memories."

Mayor of Regina, Pat Fiacco, donated two of the season tickets he won in his Grey Cup bet with the Mayor of Winnipeg, Sam Katz. "The Riders Grey Cup run and Chris's story captured the hearts of so many," said Fiacco. "It's only fitting that two of the Grey Cup bet season tickets go to the foundation to give young cancer patients an opportunity they may not normally have to see Canada's team."

The Chris Knox Foundation has four additional season tickets to compliment Mayor Fiacco's donation. Ticket distribution for all events will be via an application process that the foundation is currently working on. In the interim, tickets for functions will be distributed by the foundation after consultation with staff contacts at the Regina and Saskatoon Cancer Clinics.

A modest surplus of funds from the last November's Rider Pride Ride for Cancer helped to establish the Chris Knox Foundation Inc. The foundation is driven by Chris' love of the Saskatchewan Roughriders and the inspiration he provided to many young sick children. The mandate is to facilitate opportunities for young individuals with cancer, 30 years of age and under, to attend sporting and cultural events within Saskatchewan.

Donations can be sent to: The Chris Knox Foundation, Box 267, Kelvington, Sask., S0A 1W0 and residents can visit the website at www.chrisknoxfoundation.com for more information.