There's an ancient Japanese legend that says if someone folds 1,000 origami cranes, they will be blessed with everlasting good luck, a long life or a full recovery from a devastating illness.
At the Summer Night Market, nearly 700 colourful origami cranes are hanging and gently wafting in the wind.
It is part of a fundraising effort to raise money for Rethink Breast Cancer - a nonprofit organization that responds to the unique needs of young women with breast cancer (between the ages of 20 to 40) and their families, through educational and support programs.
So far, $850 has been raised through donations of the cranes.
At the helm of the 1,000 Cranes for 1 Wish: To End Breast Cancer campaign is Richmond's Sandy Yun.
"I was approached with the idea of the cranes and I chose Rethink Breast Cancer to be the cause we support," she said.
It is a cause dear to her heart.
When Yun was 38 she was diagnosed with aggressive breast cancer.
The young mother couldn't believe it. There was no family history, she ate well, didn't smoke nor drink.
"I waited months to get diagnosed because I was still nursing my son and I just thought it couldn't be - I just wasn't on the radar for breast cancer," said the cancer survivor. "I'm the youngest of six, with three sisters and no history of breast cancer in my family, except for one cousin."
Three years ago, she underwent a double mastectomy as well as chemotherapy and radiation.
Yun said she owes so much to Rethink Breast Cancer.
"They were invaluable to me and my family," said the 41-year-old. "Children go through many emotions and my daughter was able to attend a children's program, and they helped with child care and much more."
For a small donation, Summer Night Market visitors are encouraged to stop by the booth and sign one of the cranes in support of Rethink Breast Cancer. "Our goal is 1,000 cranes by the last day of the market, which is Sept. 16," added Yun. "It is such a good cause; I just want to raise as much money as possible."
The Summer Night Market is open until Sept. 16, Friday to Sunday from 7 p.m. to midnight at 12631 Vulcan Way. For more information about Rethink Breast Cancer, visit www.rethinkbreastcancer.com.
mhopkins@richmond-news.com
.jpg;w=120;h=80;mode=crop)