History & Vision
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One of Paul's passions is supporting the mission of the Canadian Cancer
Society: |
How It All Started
Paul first became involved with the Canadian Cancer Society over 17 years ago. As a young boy in grade 3, Paul was diagnosed with Burkitt's Lymphoma. At the age of eight, Paul faced the same struggles that 2 in 5 Canadians face - the challenges presented by cancer.
The Road Ahead
Following surgery to remove a malignant growth, Paul was scheduled to receive a
treatment program of chemotherapy for 18 months.
When new research showed that 6 months of chemotherapy was just as effective as
18 months of chemotherapy, and had fewer long-term side effects, doctors decided
that the program would be shortened and Paul would finish chemotherapy in just
six months.
This early finish to Paul's treatment was cause for celebration. The doctors at
McMaster University Hospital were confident that Paul had overcome his battle
with cancer. Paul attributes his return to good health not only to the care and
compassion of the physicians and staff who treated him, but also to the support
of his family, his friends and people he had never even met - people like you!
Changing Adversity Into Something Positive
Paul's cancer was diagnosed in December of 1993. Chemotherapy meant that he missed
much of his grade 3 year. In the spring of 1994, Paul saw an ad for
the Great Ride Walk to Beat Cancer (now the Great Ride 'n' Stride to Beat
Cancer). Immediately Paul wanted to get involved. The Ride would take place in
April while Paul would still be undergoing chemotherapy treatments.
That year Paul became a participant. Along with his family, Paul collected
pledges from friends and neighbours and did his best to finish the 20 kilometer ride
with his legs wobbly and stamina weakened by chemotherapy. Nearly at the
halfway point, Paul did not have the strength to finish the ride. Instead, his
brothers finished it for him as Paul watched from the finish line.
Beginning with this first event in 1994, Paul has continued his participation in
the Great Ride 'n' Stride to Beat Cancer. Getting involved and giving back to
the community is important to Paul - it is just one way that he is able to
celebrate and be thankful for his return to good health.
The Next Decade: 1995-2005
Paul continued his involvement in the ride in 1995 and 1996 - collecting growing
amounts of pledges each year from his dedicated supporters.
In 1997, Paul was invited to join the event organizing committee, as the only youth
member, to help plan and promote the Great Ride. While still maintaining his
commitment as a participant and fundraiser, Paul participated in radio and
television interviews, poster campaigns and pre-event initiatives. Paul remains
a current member of the Board today.
March and April are months dedicated by Paul to fundraise for the Canadian
Cancer Society. Planning for his campaign begins in late fall and wraps up in
late spring. Paul's supporters have grown in numbers each year and funds raised
have also increased annually-an accomplishment, which can be attributed to those
who are committed to make cancer history. People like you!
Paul's involvement with the Canadian Cancer Society however is year-round. He has been
an in-office volunteer throughout his summers in high school and has been a
guest speaker at many venues. He has spoken to groups at elementary and high
schools helping them kick-off fundraising projects. In addition, he has also
spoken to classmates of children affected by cancer, helping them as they
struggle with the illness of a friend. If Paul can help you with your next
fundraising project or share his story with your group, pleasecontact him.
As a member of his high school student council for 4 years, Paul was also
instrumental in organizing fundraising events for the Canadian Cancer Society,
as well as other charities, at Waterloo Collegiate Institute. Such fundraising
events included Relay For Life - a fundraising event for the Cancer Society
similar to the Great Ride 'n' Stride.
The Future: 2005 and beyond
Paul is proud of the goals which have become reality because of the collective
efforts of his family, friends, supporters, sponsors, and others dedicated to
eradicating cancer. Paul has said that his goal is to support the mission of
the Canadian Cancer Society - the eradication of cancer and the enhancement of
the quality of life of people living with cancer - in whatever ways he can.
Paul is passionate about giving back to the community which stood beside him in
his battle with the disease.
In 2008, Paul completed his undergraduate studies in Halifax at Dalhousie University, where he studied International Development Studies and Political Science. In 2009,
Paul completed a Masters of International Public Policy at the Balsillie School of International Affairs at Wilfrid Laurier University. His involvement with the Cancer
Society remains steadfast. It is uplifting to know that the future is hope-filled with the possibility of uncovering new and more specialized treatments, better cure
rates and alleviate the suffering from this beatable disease. It all just takes time. Paul hopes he can continue to count on YOU to be involved in this process. Thanks for being a part of the cure!