Last weekend I participated in the "Cuts for Cancer" for the second time. The event was once again held at the Stone Road Mall in Guelph, in support of Childhood Cancer Canada and the St. Baldrick's Foundation. While not having much hair to begin with, this was an excellent way to honour my son Darrel and raise awareness for the often over-looked and under-funded monster that is childhood cancer.
Having taken part in Cuts 2012, I knew more of what to expect, but it still brought back memories of Darrel over the 2 long years he battled against neuroblastoma. The Courage, Wit, and Humour he brought and faced each and every day with will always be cherished and remembered. The bad days and weeks (which there were many) are never far from my thoughts either, but to dwell on them for too long and/or too often can not be helpful to what little peace of mind I have left.
With the support of family, friends, and co-workers, I was able to reach my $500 Goal, and the event itself currently stands at over $9,200, with contributions still coming in. It was also reassuring to see many of the shoppers passing by the event stop to ask questions and pick-up some of the reading materials that were available on site.
While the facts and figures are very important and relevant, they only tell part of the story that needs to be told. It is the faces and the names of the children and their families that really show why more needs and must be done against childhood cancer. The reason I do what I do to raise awareness and money for organizations like Childhood Cancer Canada is because I refuse to let Darrel to become just a statistic that is glanced at and then forgotten! When you see his picture, see his smile, you can not help but wonder what dreams he had for himself, how his presence could have enriched the lives of all the people he would never get an opportunity to meet. That is the true cost of allowing childhood cancer continue unchecked by our society.
There are too may children out there that will have their lives cut far too short like Darrel. Any difference you can make as an individual is going to be of help and worthwhile. Combined with the efforts of other individuals, the road towards a cure will become clearer, and easier to reach. Thank you to all who are willing to join with me on this journey.
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Special Thanks to: Lisa Kellenberger from Cuts for Cancer Guelph, and both Melody Khodaverdian and Shazya Ladak from Childhood Cancer Canada. Without you, this could not have happened.
*************************
Thank You as well to everyone who purchased one of the "I Know A Childhood Cancer Hero" shirt from Childhood Cancer Canada. Darrel's name was included of the Version 2.0 of the design (located in the "O"). The proceeds went back to the Foundation to help fund all the great work they do for the children and their families.
Having taken part in Cuts 2012, I knew more of what to expect, but it still brought back memories of Darrel over the 2 long years he battled against neuroblastoma. The Courage, Wit, and Humour he brought and faced each and every day with will always be cherished and remembered. The bad days and weeks (which there were many) are never far from my thoughts either, but to dwell on them for too long and/or too often can not be helpful to what little peace of mind I have left.
With the support of family, friends, and co-workers, I was able to reach my $500 Goal, and the event itself currently stands at over $9,200, with contributions still coming in. It was also reassuring to see many of the shoppers passing by the event stop to ask questions and pick-up some of the reading materials that were available on site.
While the facts and figures are very important and relevant, they only tell part of the story that needs to be told. It is the faces and the names of the children and their families that really show why more needs and must be done against childhood cancer. The reason I do what I do to raise awareness and money for organizations like Childhood Cancer Canada is because I refuse to let Darrel to become just a statistic that is glanced at and then forgotten! When you see his picture, see his smile, you can not help but wonder what dreams he had for himself, how his presence could have enriched the lives of all the people he would never get an opportunity to meet. That is the true cost of allowing childhood cancer continue unchecked by our society.
There are too may children out there that will have their lives cut far too short like Darrel. Any difference you can make as an individual is going to be of help and worthwhile. Combined with the efforts of other individuals, the road towards a cure will become clearer, and easier to reach. Thank you to all who are willing to join with me on this journey.
*************************
Special Thanks to: Lisa Kellenberger from Cuts for Cancer Guelph, and both Melody Khodaverdian and Shazya Ladak from Childhood Cancer Canada. Without you, this could not have happened.
*************************
Thank You as well to everyone who purchased one of the "I Know A Childhood Cancer Hero" shirt from Childhood Cancer Canada. Darrel's name was included of the Version 2.0 of the design (located in the "O"). The proceeds went back to the Foundation to help fund all the great work they do for the children and their families.
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