MARKHAM, Ont. — The Heavy Duty Distributor Council (HDDC) last night announced it raised $26,345 for SickKids Hospital during Charity Night at its annual business conference.

The organization raised the funds through a casino night. Last night, the organization presented a check to a representative of SickKids a young cancer survivor and first-hand recipient of SickKids world class treatment.

The 18-year-old cancer survivor gave a heartfelt thank-you to HDDC delegates during a touching ceremony. He explained how the hospital enabled him to overcome the disease and live an active and rewarding life despite suffering from a deadly form of leukemia. In recent years, the form of cancer he was afflicted with has gone from a 20% survival rate to 80%, thanks largely to the work SickKids Hospital has done, he said.

Its one of the best three childrens hospitals in the world because of people like you guys, he said. What you guys do essentially saved my life.

HDDC representative Jim Hillis, himself a cancer survivor, credited the groups Charity Committee for raising the funds. This year marks the seventh straight year the HDDC has raised funds for SickKids Hospital. Well over $100,000 has been raised to date, and Hillis told delegates Everyone in this room should be very proud.