Pint-sized storybook characters glided across the ice at the Jim Lind Arena in West Kelowna for the fifth annual Princess and Superhero skate on Monday.

Donning capes, cowls and all sorts of ballrooms dresses, the children were all smiles.

But it91裸聊视频檚 a bittersweet day for event founder Natelle Moench. She started the skate in honour of her daughter Paige, who died Aug. 6, 2013.

Paige, who was always 91裸聊视频渟miling, dancing and as relaxed as could be,91裸聊视频� was diagnosed with a cancer called Acute Myeloid Leukemia in February 2013. The toddler endured painful and invasive procedures for months that at times left her in the ICU. By July 2013 Moench91裸聊视频檚 family moved from the British Columbia Children91裸聊视频檚 Hospital to Canuck Place Children91裸聊视频檚 Hospice for palliative care. Less than six months from the day she was diagnosed she passed away.

To deal with her grief in the aftermath of that loss, Moench turned her focus to raising funds for the Paige Foundation, which focuses on pediatric cancer research.

It started with a bottle drive, then a family skate at the Capital News Centre and, to date, it91裸聊视频檚 raised $50,000 that91裸聊视频檚 gone to cancer research.

In addition to supporting a cause that matters, Moench said it91裸聊视频檚 heartening to see the community come together.

91裸聊视频淔amilies and parents can really understand how hard it is to watch your child be sick,91裸聊视频� she said, adding it91裸聊视频檚 good to feel the community91裸聊视频檚 support during the event.

To report a typo, email: edit@kelownacapnews.com.

kmichaels@kelownacapnews.com
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