Some Necessary Gratitude

We've received a lot of encouragement and support for our positive attitude over the past little while. Thanks. It's been great. If you want to talk attitude though, I think the award goes to the Yukon's Department of Environment. These people are amazing. Over the past couple of weeks, they have raised a staggering amount of money from both inside and outside the ranks of the Department, all to support Meghan and I. Some of this came from "passing the hat", and some of it came from a "Pie the Bosses" event held last week where management staff literally took it in the face in support of our situation. I've posted some photos below. The rallying of the community around us has become a local news story in Whitehorse, and has graced the front page of both the Whitehorse Star and the Yukon News last week, in addition to a short feature on CBC Radio (check back next week for a link).

 

   

Remy Rodden (in the hat) warming up the crowd. . . 

While it's always been a difficult decision to move and settle far away from the places where Meghan and I grew up, I think many of you might understand the draw of a place where the people you work with, some of whom you've only met cursorily or have maybe not even met yet, come to you in your time of need because you are a member of their community, one of their extended family. It's comforting to live in a place where people still look out for one another, a place where you know you'll never fall down if the people around you can help it.

It's recently come to our attention that the Department and the Community isn't done yet. There is an event planned for this Sunday at a pub that Meg and I frequent often that is once again in support of our situation. A silent auction is planned to sell off donated items and services, and a cover charge will be charged for admission. Musicians, including my summer supervisor Remy Rodden (who has had an integral hand in planning many of these events) will play for most of the evening.

On the other side of the country, efforts have come together to organize a campaign of support that has included the creation and distribution of 1000 beautifully camouflaged "SMASH IT" bracelets that friends and family are using to be with us even as they are far away. And it's working. Meghan's parents arrived in Vancouver two days ago, and putting our own bracelets on, we certainly felt those hands around us, stronger than ever. They also brought with them another unbelievable amount of financial support from an incredible variety of people.

Perhaps the greatest testament to the selflessness and beauty of these events is that we're not even sure who to thank by name (yet). Individuals have risen to organize and make these things happen, but somehow, we've remained in the dark as to who they are. We'll find you. Oh yes we will.

We are visiting with friends and family this weekend, and we'll be at the Kopper King Tavern in spirit on Sunday. I'm still feeling good, and will check into the BC Cancer Agency again on Tuesday to begin my second treatment. We met with a doctor at an agency called Inspire Health this week who offered invaluable advice on nutrition, alternative therapies, and general mind-body health. Inspire is a world leader in what they call "Integrative Cancer Care". Again, we feel incredibly lucky to be in Vancouver. It seems like every week, we build another step on our path to smashing this thing.

To all of you: thank you, thank you, thank you. We'd be nowhere without you.