Mearle Larocque - April 12th,1935 - Aug 1st, 1996

Laurie Ellies' (Co-chair) Story

Every 15 minutes, somewhere in the world, a person finds out from a doctor that they have pancreatic cancer. I lost my mom in 1996, just four short weeks after her diagnosis. My mom had been suffering from extreme lower back pain for weeks but doctors chalked it up to inactivity from sitting for long periods while recovering from reconstructive knee surgery. It wasn’t until the jaundice appeared that doctors realized that she had pancreatic cancer and it had spread to her liver. Her diagnosis was devastating and turned our world upside down - she had only a few weeks to live.

A diagnosis of pancreatic cancer is a death sentence. In my mom’s case, it was heart wrenching to learn that there was nothing the doctors could do to save or even prolong her life – surgery wasn’t an option as the disease had metastasized and there were no proven treatments to help her beat the disease. The only thing doctors could offer was medication to help manage the pain.

Before my mom’s diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, I knew little about the disease other than Michael Landon had died from it a few years earlier. When my family first received news of her diagnosis, I did what most people do; tried desperately to find out as much as possible about the disease. To my dismay, I discovered that there was very little information available and no organization dedicated to this disease. This was shocking and totally unacceptable to me.

It isn't talked about a lot, but I discovered that pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest cancers. It is the fourth-leading cause of cancer death in the U.S., and when it comes to this disease, doctors are baffled. There are no early detection tests, few effective treatments, and little research being done to improve the situation. Some cancers are constantly in the national spotlight like breast, lung, and colon but it is time to start a national movement of our own, right here in Canada and raise awareness for this disease that is known as the silent killer. Let's make the colour purple the new pink!

I truly believe that early detection would have saved my mother’s life. It is my hope (and the hope of PANCREATIC CANCER CANADA) that funds raised to support early detection studies will result in the discovery of screening tests that will offer patients who are diagnosed with this horrific disease the hope and support they require to beat this disease.

Laurie Ellies

My connection to Betty Aldridge, my co-chair

I have known the Aldridges for over 30 years. We became neighbours to the Aldridges when they moved to Summitcrest in the early 70's, just prior to Ricky being born. Our families became fast and dear friends and have maintained that friendship over the years. I used to baby sit Jodi and Ricky and now have the pleasure of watching them raise their own children. Memories of the Aldridges include Dick and my father racing to be the first to put up the Christmas lights each year, playing practical jokes on one another, Betty launching her first cookbook, Betty's ( a.k.a. Mrs. Bradshaw) green thumb and dad's nightly jogs with Dick when he was playing football with the Argos. They actually inspired one neighbour to train with them and he later went on to run the New York City Marathon. We have shared many happy occasions over the years and unfortunately some extremely sad occasions like losing first my mom in the mid 90's and then Dick last year to pancreatic cancer. We continue to maintain our close friendship by getting everyone together each and every Christmas Season to share in holiday cheer and tradition.

Betty and I joined forces in 2004 to honour our loved one's memory and promised to be their voice and continue their fight by raising awareness about this devastating disease and the critical need for funding.

Bruce Harron - March 8, 1938 - July 31, 2006

Elva Gough's (Director) Story

I met and fell in love with Bruce in 1971, but it took us until September 11, 2004 to marry. We both agreed it was the happiest day of our lives. Bruce was a very active man…worked out daily, mountain skied, windsurfed, rollerbladed, sailed, golfed, ate well (had a carrot with his bran flakes every morning) and lived his life quietly, kindly and with respect for everyone.

In July 2005, we took a trip to my home land of Northern Ireland with my Mother – Eva. Prior to the trip, Bruce developed lower back pain that worsened during the trip. He went to the doctor upon returning home and xrays showed that he had multiple tumors on his lungs. Further investigation revealed that he had metastasized pancreatic cancer, which was confirmed the day before our first wedding anniversary.

I knew nothing about pancreatic cancer. I researched everything I could about the disease and was none the wiser. Bruce refused to accept a death sentence from his doctors and simply got on with all the treatment offered and with living his life. We enrolled in an amazing program at Princess Margaret Hospital called The Healing Journey. The skills we learned through this program allowed us to improve our communication with each other, lessen anxiety and depression, and provide some sense of control. Bruce lived for a year after his diagnosis and for the most part, it was a wonderful year of loving each other and getting on with the job of fighting the disease. In retrospect, I realize that he lived much longer than we could ever have hoped for.

After Bruce died, I was determined to start an association dedicated to sharing information about and raising much needed money for research into this deadly cancer. Through the internet, I learned about and subsequently met Betty and Laurie who were already raising research money through their golf tournament. We connected in our common cause and are together developing Pancreatic Cancer Canada as a national association with the goal of raising much need research money and awareness across Canada. None of what we do will bring back the ones we love, but at least their deaths will not be in vain.

Elva Gough

David Vienneau - 1951-2004  

A newsman of courage, integrity - covered Parliament Hill for Star and Global. Won the respect of politicians, judges, colleagues. He is a great loss to our craft, taken rudely in the prime of his career -The Last Word by Kirk LaPointe

Article - The Toronto Star - Dec 03/04 Susan Delacourt  in Ottawa/ Article - Global News - Jacques Bourbeau

A veteran of the Parliament Hill press corps has died, spurring a tribute from the prime minister himself. Global Television's Parliamentary Bureau Chief David Vienneau succumbed to his brief battle with pancreatic cancer in an Ottawa hospital on Wednesday night. He was 53 years old.

"I know that we're all going to miss him very, very much," Martin said in a rare tribute during a scrum with reporters on the Hill Thursday.

Heaving a sigh, Martin then offered his condolences to Vienneau's wife Nicole Baer and their three children before noting the assembled reporters' loss of a friend and colleague. "So I just want to say that I'm certainly with all of you," the prime minister said in French. "We just lost a great friend, somebody that we loved a lot and respected a lot. And indeed it shows to what extent here on the Hill we are such a small village."

A native of Hamilton, Ontario, Vienneau graduated from the University of Western Ontario with an honours degree in Journalism, before launching his career with an award-winning 23-year stint at The Toronto Star. After moving to the Star's Ottawa office in 1981, where he became bureau chief, he made the jump to television seven years later with a move to Global TV.

"David changed our country's history through what his reporting revealed,'' said Kevin Newman, anchor of Global National, in a statement Thursday. "Canada was made stronger by having David Vienneau as one of her guardians.''

A memorial service for the former president of the Parliamentary Press Gallery is set for Dec. 11 in the House of Commons West Block.

CTV News

 

Sheila Kirpalani - 1934 - 2009

It is with a heavy heart that I write to you to share the news that I have lost the guiding light of my life.  My beloved Mom -  devoted mother, passionate educator, and talented artist - passed away peacefully last Monday, July 13 at the age of 75.  She succumbed to complications from pancreas cancer, a disease she fought valiantly for almost 1.5 years.  She will be missed by many family members and friends around the world, but by none more than me.

Born in Hyderabad, Sind, in 1934, the third eldest of 6 children, she grew up in Ajmer, India and then in Mumbai, India, and completed her Master's degree in Botany.  Always the risk taker and pioneer in her family, she was a lecturer at K. C. College in Mumbai and was responsible for her entire family migrating to Mumbai.  She left India for a life abroad, first to London, in 1965, where she taught high school and enjoyed life as a ravishing young socialite.  In 1967, she moved to Toronto, single and adventurous, where she arrived to pursue further graduate studies at the University of Toronto.  She made many friends, married in 1969, again brought her family members and friends to Canada, and established her roots here, where she lived for over 40 years.  

She lectured at the University of Toronto and taught senior biology with the Toronto District School Board.  She entertained lavishly, was well known as an outstanding singer, and became well known in the Indian community in Toronto.  But she defined her life as the world's most amazing mother.  She devoted her entire life from 1974 onwards to me and making sure I turned out okay.  The sacrifices she made for me will be and should be talked about for years.  Her love of life, strength of character, artistic ability, attention to detail, modern outlook, love for India, and work ethic are virtues I continue to admire and aspire to.  

Her spirit will live on in me, through her music, and through the newly established Sheila Kirpalani Foundation.  Please say a prayer for my Mom as her soul travels to rest peacefully and join her beloved parents and sister Leela in heaven.  My heart is aching, but at the same time, I smile with pride and gratitude for having been blessed by this amazing soul.  

At musical tribute to my mom - Anish Kirpalani

Anish Kirpalani

Robert (Bob) W Wilson

Bob passed away on February 6, 2010 at the age of 58. He was highly regarded by his employer and co-workers at Sun Life Financial. Bob's many interests and extensive knowledge on almost any subject attracted many friends. In Bob's spare time he became quite an accomplished photographer and he was looking forward to developing it further in his retirement.

Bob was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in October 2009 only when it had metastatized to his lungs. The cancer was detected through a biopsy of the fluid drained from his lungs. Bob's father also died from the same desease. We also believe his grandfather who had cancer throughout had the same desease.

There still is no test today for early detection of pancreatic cancer. I hope through funding pancreatic cancer research we will at least find a way to detect this desease in its early stages.

Eileen Wilson

Michael Ronald Hooper

Michael was born in Essex, Billericay, UK after the war in 1948. He lived an incredibly busy life, until his 61 years of age. Michael travelled the world, to end up close to his family in Canada, in July 2008. He was a great man, & he will be greatly missed by all those who knew him.

My father, was the luckiest man I ever met.   Until his recent passing away on October 1st 2009, I always thought that my father could beat anything & all odds in this world.

My father was diagnosed with Stage 1b of Pancreatic Cancer (Adenocarcinoma of the Pancreas) on June 2008. Upon many discussions, we decided that the best idea to preserve my father's life, was for him to get the Whipple Operation to remove the tumour. Upon having the operation, and only two weeks later, my father travelled to Canada to work as he had always planned, & this of course could not get in his way.

An electrical engineer by trade, my father worked his way up through hard work and determination and helped others do the same along the way. He started off his career in telecommunications, worked in production, moved on to electronic bank forgery detection systems, set up his own company, worked for the Canadian government, moved into environmental services and finally worked in health and safety in Canada. Some of his personal ventures included exporting coffee and setting up a microbrewery that offered decent British beer. Working with British Chambers of Commerce, the Society of Petroleum Engineers & Chamber of Mines.

On July 2009, my father was told, that his Pancreatic Cancer had returned, and alas that he could no longer be cured.  For the first time in his life, it was something that he could not control. However, stubborn as he was, he was determined to be with us until next spring. And as the engineer he was, he mapped out timelines and medium survival rates for his illness.

He didn’t win the war, but he certainly gave death a good run for her money. His life and legacy were optimism and the belief that everything was possible. He was a loving husband, father, a true friend, and my mentor.

People say that millons of battles are lost every year due to cancer,  but I do not believe that this is the case. I believe that a battle that you fight, is a battle that you almost certainly always win. I'm joining the fight today, and I'm hoping that you will too.More on my father's life can be seen further in www.mem.com

Daniela Hooper

Robert Cundrill

This January will mark two years since Robert passed away. He was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in the fall of 2007 and after a very short, but brave battle he passed away on January 30th. He faced the disease head on and with great dignity, providing support to those around him who were trying to get their heads around the disease & its poor prognosis.  It was during this time that I learned how deadly pancreatic cancer is and how heart breaking it is to watch someone you love have to endure what limited treatment is available, all with the knowledge that there is very little chance of survival. 

The way Robert dealt with his illness and ultimate passing continues to inspire me.  After 5 years together, I was very grateful to have had those last 5 months to be with him, grow with him and to say good-bye.  Through conversations and care, he taught me a lot about relationships, love and how I want to live life.  I continue to miss his charm and sense of humour and most certainly his incredible insight and guidance. 

To celebrate Robert’s life and honour his memory, I will be running a half marathon at the end of January 2010 and raise funds for Pancreatic Cancer Canada in the hopes that one day we will be able to detect pancreatic cancer earlier and provide people with better treatment options & a greater chance of survival.  Robert was a competitive individual himself and always supportive of my passion for running – he was there at all of my races, cheering me on and greeting me with a huge smile at the finish line.  Please help me to honour Robert and give voice to this low profile, but deadly cancer. 

Johanna O'Reilly

David William Bethune

Remembering the loss of my dear husband and loving father of Tyler, Bradley and Brittany. DAVID BETHUNE passed away after at short battle of only 6 months from this dreaded disease Pancreatic Cancer. We received this terrible news early Sept. 2008 and he passed away Feb. 10/2009. I Sandra Dave's wife always felt protected and never really worried that anything would happen to either one of us as we have a Down Symdrome girl Brittany who requires extra help and support from both parents. My whole world stopped and was turned around when we received the news. All though Dave and I both have a very strong faith, I had many fears as to what I would experience with parenting 3 young children as I am an older Mom of 47 yrs. We hoped to beat the odds and prayed for a miracle, but this sneaky silent disease had already spread to other major organs. And with little treatment available we knew that we were sunk. Dave was well loved and respected by all who knew him. He was genuine with a kind heart. He was a very happy go lucky guy with a sweet little smile. He had an excellent sense of humour and loved to play jokes and tease me often. Dave had a wonderful sense of empathy for others as he often prayed for families and (especially) children going through difficult times. He was a honest man and my greatest support. Dave's greatest passions in life were The Toronto Maple Leafs he loved hockey and especially reading. He was so pleased and thankful that he was able to continue this all through his illness. Now one of my greatest passions is to raise our 3 kids to the best of my ability and to spread the awareness about Pancreatic Cancer. As Dave requested "I want people to speak of me often when I am gone" 
My husband's love for myself and our kids will live on in our hearts forever.

GOD BLESS DAVID WILLIAM BETHUNE.

Sandra Bethune

My husband was diagnosed on December 11th, 2007 and passed away on December 26th, 2007. He had the symptons in late September that are typical of this dreaded disease but thought he had gall bladder problems. Vince had never been sick in his life and did not smoke or drink (occasionally). He was a very athletic person and ate healthily. His job was repairing automobiles and farm machinery which leads me to believe his time spent around pesticides and gasoline based products is what caused his pancreatic cancer.

In honour of what would have been Vince's 60th birthday (Sept.26th 2009), my family and I are hosting a RETRO MOVIE NIGHT at our home for family and friends. We are showing movies from 1949, the year my husband was born, and having food from a concession stand. We will also run a silent auction. All monies donated will be sent to you for pancreatic cancer research.

We hope to do this as a yearly fundraiser in my husband's memory.

Bobbie Parliament

Margherita Catherine Auton, (nee Solmito)
  December 19, 1956 - August 4, 2008

This is a tribute from a loving son to his mother on his first Father's Day
          (with the hope that I can be at least half as good a parent as she was)   

"Margo", as my mom preferred to be called was born on December 19, 1956 in Italy.  She immigrated to Canada with her family as a very young child.  My mom was the most amazing woman, loving, giving, and selfless, she dedicated her life to her family in every way.

Sadly, on her 51st birthday she was told that she had pancreatic cancer and that her prognosis was not very good.  She was told that she had 3 to 6 months to live.  I always knew that my mom was a strong woman but I was unprepared for the fortitude that she showed from that very moment.  Not once did she falter in her hope that she could beat this cancer, even to the day she passed away, August 4, 2008, she remained a positive force to be reckoned with. I always knew how much everyone in our very large Italian family loved and respected my mom, but I was shocked and incredibly touched at how many friends and people in the community came out to support our family during her treatments, her hospitalization and eventually her funeral.

My beautiful gentle mother passed away just before I learned that my wife and I would have her first grandchild. My younger sister will be getting married during Mother's Day weekend in 2010, with a special tribute to our mom in her ceremony.  Many family milestones have already passed and there are so many more to come, and although my mom is not physically here for them, everyone in our family have strongly felt her presence. 

Mom is always in our hearts and never far from our thoughts. There is such a void without her here.  More must be done to bring awareness to this insidious disease and more must be done to fight it from claiming the lives of our loved ones.  If more people would visit the web site www.pancreaticcancercanada.ca and join the fight, we will be able to stop the loss of such incredible people like my mom. 

                         
Beloved mother of Lucus and Vanessa Auton
Beloved nonna to Alexander
Beloved daughter of Luca and Anna Solmito
Beloved sister of Mary Novielli
Beloved aunt of Marco and Sabrina Novielli
Beloved of everyone who ever had the privilege to know you

Lucus Alexander Auton's Story

Leah Louise Polischuk

I lost my mother also my best friend on August 28,2008. She had just made her 46th birthday on August 8. She was diagnosed with stage 4 PC on april 18. I remember her coming home from her doctors with her cat scan report. She was devesated but still positive. Before she was diagnosed, she had been to docs numerours times complaining of stomach pains. Nothing was ever done about it. Their explaination was ovarian cycst. She made many trips to the ER in horrible pain just to be sent home with an explanation of gas and constipation. Everything happened so fast after that... she went from 125 lbs to 92 lbs in less than two months.

My mother was a very very strong person with a very high tolerence of pain, but the pain she endured from this horrible disease was horrific. It hurt so bad to see my mother suffering in so much pain. Watching her cry while trying to get into a postion where she didnt hurt so bad was so hard. It hurt so bad because there was nothing I or anybody else could do to take the pain away. I wish to god there was. Some may ask what about pain medication. She tried everything. It got to a point where she was so tolerant to the pain med that nothing really got rid of it for her. She ended up being put on methadone; which alone is pretty scary. That still never really got rid of her pain. 

It hurts so bad to see someone you love so dearly absolutly deteriourate. Nearing the death of my mother was alot of big family events. A family trip to hawaii, her own birthday, a close family friend wedding. I strongly believe that my mom held on for these dates to come and past and to be a part in them. I know they meant a lot to her.

I want everyone who is grieving the loss of someone diagnosed with pc to know that you are not alone. This is a horrible, horrible disease.  There needs to be a way to get early detection on this. This is not just some petty little thing that we are dealing with ... this is people's lives... what is more important than that? Nobody deserves to go through what I witnessed my own mother going through. It was terrible. I miss her so much. I feel so sad for what she went through. Together, we can find a cure or at least early detection. We must as this is not fair. If this is the way the Government is keeping the Canada from getting over populated. Try preventing unsuitable parents to be from bring people into this world instead of taking loved ones aways from us way to early and in such a horrible way!

Deanna

Roger John Marsden

Roger John Marsden, my husband and my soul mate. I met him my last year of high school. We had detention together for what ever reason but I knew he was the one for me.  Unfortunately we wouldn't get together for another 10 years. I married him, even though I knew he had a life threatening disease, poly cystic kidney disease. We married in 1984 and raised 3 wonderful children together. He made me laugh ever day, he gave me hugs and kisses every day, he made me feel like I was important every day. He survived a kidney transplant, which I was the donor.  He loved life to the fullest but pancreatic cancer took his life June 11 2009.  He always said he felt "robbed " after his diagnosis no more turkey hunts, no more deer hunts.  He never went back to work after his diagnosis, he just wanted to sit on the couch and enjoy his children and he did. 
I miss him each and every day.  Love you forever .....

Deirdre