As Julie Houlker's fight with cancer draws to a close, a group of Fraser Valley women are doing their best to make her final dream come true.

Julie Houlker is one of three Chilliwack woman who penned Choosing to Smile, an inspirational book that tells the true stories of three friends who grew up as baby boomers and who all happened to get cancer--each one in a different decade of her life.

Houlker was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 1995, when she was in her 40s. When a malignancy was discovered under the site of a previous breast reconstruction surgery, Julie gained the dubious distinction of being one of the few women in the world to have a mastectomy twice on the same side of her chest.

But while her co-authors Michelle Rickaby and Glenda Standeven have recovered fully from their fights with cancer, Houlker's story has not been so bright.

When the cancer metastasized, Julie was informed that she had, at the most, 18 months to live. That was almost five years ago. She wrestled more life from her death sentence and has not wasted the days she has been given. Spending time with her granddaughter, traveling with her husband, and paddling with a dragon boat team, have all given her ample reasons to forge on. She also used her valuable time to tell her story in Choosing to Smile, along with two of her best friends.

Writing a best-selling book has been on Houlker's "bucket list" of things she hoped to do and accomplish before she died. And in less than a year, the self-published book has sold more than 1,500 copies.

Five thousand sold copies is what it takes to qualify as a Canadian best-seller.

But while sales of the book have been brisk, time may be running out on Julie's dream.

With chemotherapy no longer effective, Houlker has entered the Cascade Hospice Centre in Chilliwack to live out her final days. Hospice stays are usually expected to be fewer than three months long. Houlker was admitted to hospice three weeks ago.

Houlker might have reasons to be bitter about the cards life has dealt her but when you enter her hospice room you instantly sense the peace and grace that fills her. She knows that she has lived a life that matters, but still very much wants to live long enough to see the book that tells her story, and those of her friends, become a best-seller.

When a group of women from the Valley Women's Network (VWN) heard of Houlker's wish, they decided to step in and do what they could to make her bucket list dream come true. First, Standeven, a VWN member and Houlker's co-author, asked fellow members to purchase copies of the book for Christmas presents. In exchange the authors agreed to donate $5 per book back to the VWN's charity of choice.

"We want to make Julie's bucket-list wish come true and we believe there are enough people whose lives have been affected by cancer who can help make this happen," said VWN member Joyce Esau.

The mission to grant Julie's wish has since taken on a life of its own.

VWN member Caroline Huston and her 10-year-old grandson Dillan Spencer will raise money to purchase copies of the book by shaving their heads and collecting pledges. They will donate the books to cancer patients at the Abbotsford and Surrey Cancer Centres. Huston will also action off some of her custom jewellery at the head-shaving event, which will take place at Undine's Hair Studio, at 15-8635 Young Rd. on Dec. 30 at 5 p.m.

"So much money has been donated for cancer research but I feel that this is something even more special," said Huston. "Donating money to buy copies of this book will give a tangible gift of hope and inspiration for someone who may actually be experiencing what these three ladies have gone through. This is a really wonderful thing to do."

The head-shaving event is open to everyone and Mayor Sharon Gaetz will speak. Anyone making a donation may enter a draw for a Spa Package donated by Undine's Retreat Day Spa and Undine's Hair Studio.

Houlker, for her part, said she is thrilled with all the plans but added: "I don't want this to be about me. I want it to ultimately be about helping other people who are facing struggles. If the stories of our journeys can help others through a tough time then it makes our lives worthwhile. I can't thank these wonderful women enough."

An account has been opened at Envision Credit Union to collect donations to purchase copies of the book to give to cancer patients year-round. The staff at Envision Credit Union has caught the spirit and are holding fundraising events in support of the cause.

Donations to provide books to cancer patients will be an ongoing project even after the Head-shaving awareness event. To make a donation to the Choosing to Smile Book Fund, visit any branch of the Envision Credit Union and make a deposit to account No. 1455864.

Arnice Asquin, in affiliation with New Page Human Service Society, is also raising funds to purchase copies of Choosing to Smile for cancer patients.

Individuals or corporations interested in making larger donation and who require a charitable tax receipt may send a cheque payable to: New Page Human Service Society - PO Box 998, Hope, BC, V0X 1L0. Designate donations for the "Choosing to Smile Book Fund."

- To read Julie's blog visit www.choosingtosmile.com. For more information about how you can donate or make Julie's wish come true contact Joyce Esau at 604-795-5375 or 604-858-2409.