Anita Blackbourn Was An Amazing, Courageous Mother Who Died Way Too Young

Incredibly sad news: Peterborough's Anita Blackbourn—aka "Neets"—has lost her battle with cancer at the age of 42. Anita, who was fighting the terrible disease right until the end, leaves behind a husband, two young daughters and a community that adored her.

Anita pictured with her daughters

Anita was a huge part of the Pink in the Rink campaign in 2015 with the Canadian Cancer Society and Peterborough Petes, raising awareness about the disease and money to help fight it.

Anita (at far left) pictured at Pink in the Rink game in 2015 with Honourary Co-Chair Dan O'Toole and Anita Record

There has been an outpouring on social media about Anita's death as she touched so many people...

@ShawnSilvestri @MF2Sense @fs1otoole she fought until the very end. So lucky to have her in my life as a friend and sister-in-law

— Marty Silvestri (@marts1977) October 15, 2016

A huge loss for our community. Sending love to your family and friends Anita Blackbourn. Your legacy will always shine bright❤️

— Michelle Ferreri (@MF2Sense) October 15, 2016

@MF2Sense Horrible news. The rink cheered so loud for her that night. pic.twitter.com/6l7xydnJz4

— Dan O'Toole (@fs1otoole) October 15, 2016

Heaven gained another angel! @9neets the strongest & bravest woman I've known. My deepest condolences to the Carey & Blackbourn families. 💕 pic.twitter.com/FQxTXGP4AG

— Tracey Johnston (@TraceyMJohnston) October 15, 2016

Anita was a guest on our podcast PTBOCanada Live With Mike Judson in January 2015 and spoke bravely and eloquently with Mike about her battle with stage 4 breast cancer—and what her family, friends and community meant to her.

Watch her interview with Mike Judson below starting at the 9:38 mark (you won't ever forget it—we won't)...

Read the stuff below. Our guests include: Anita Blackbourn - Twitter: @9neets Pete Dalliday - http://1005hits.ca/ Musical guest: The Lohrwoods - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0J-tOYz3uAU The handsome Neil Morton David Koski - Production Assistant, Customer relations (No nugget) Thanks to our sponsors: Riley's Pub - http://rileyspeterborough.com/ Kawartha TV & Stereo - http://www.kawarthatv.com/ Maars Music - http://www.maarsmusic.com/ Theme music by Streetlight Social https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W-IiB...

Anita was also writing a story for PTBOCanada about her battle with cancer and what life and this community meant to her, but passed away before she was able to complete it for us.

This was her opening paragraph to a personal, fact-based journal she was keeping about our journey...

This community will never forget her. She was an amazing, gracious person who battled the disease with honesty, dignity, strength, humour and courage.

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