Shining with Gold Volunteer spotlight - Mavis Durell

At Believe in the Gold, we are honoured to stand alongside incredible families like Mavis Durell’s families who have faced unimaginable challenges with courage, faith, and love. Mavis’s story is one of resilience, hope, and the power of community values that lie at the heart of everything we do.

Mavis has been a devoted supporter and volunteer with Believe in the Gold for many years. Her dedication to helping others shines through in every event she organizes and every family she reaches out to. Her passion comes from a deeply personal place, her granddaughter Zarah’s brave battle with leukemia.

For many years, Mavis has organized a local walk/run in her hometown of Melfort, raising vital funds to support families facing childhood cancer. The money she helps raise provides assistance for medical expenses, travel costs, mental health support, and so much more. Believe in the Gold is deeply grateful for all that Mavis does for families battling the toughest fight of their lives. It is truly an honour to call her our friend, our supporter, and a shining part of our Believe in the Gold family.

Today, we’re proud to share Mavis’s story in her own words, a story that reminds us why our mission matters and how compassion can change lives.

“My name is Mavis Durell, and I am a proud supporter of “Believe in the Gold.”

I am a mom of two children: my son, Dana, and my daughter, Britney. I am divorced and have been a single mom since my children were two and one. Britney has blessed me with three grandchildren, Daniel Jr, Zophya, and Zarah.

On October 19th, 2016, my family drove to Yorkton late at night with Zarah, worried she had

hurt her shoulder. On the morning of October 20th, I received the phone call at work that no

one ever wants to get. Britney was crying so hard I could hardly understand her. “Mom, my

baby girl has cancer.” Zarah was only 15 months old. She had leukemia and was rushed to

Saskatoon by ambulance.

I started crying and shaking, my coworkers and manager hugged me, and I left to pack and head to Saskatoon.

Our sweet Zarah went through hell and back, poked, prodded, losing her hair, surgeries, and so much more. Three long years of uncertainty, but miracles do happen. Zarah is now a vibrant 10-year-old and has been in remission for over five years.

Our princess warrior, Zarah, is my hero for her strength, her huge heart, and her endless kindness toward everyone.

Believe in the Gold saved my family. They were there with open arms, offering emotional and financial support, and I’ve made lifelong friends through them.

My way of giving back is by helping with fundraising events each September in Melfort. The

money we raise helps families in Saskatchewan. I will continue to help for as long as I can.

Thank you to everyone who works for this charity.”

Sincerely,

Mavis Durell