Welcome back to our seventeenth consecutive year of Kayaking for Cancer!

Because I can

In the past our fearless leader, Kevin Dionne, has asked me if I would like to write something for the web site and I always respectfully declined. However, this all changed one night last October when I was finally able to put all my thoughts into clear focus as to why I paddle each year.

On the evening of October 26th, 2016 I was fortunate to be in the company of many members of our Kayaking family as our small event received recognition for having a “lasting impact.” We gathered, we hugged, we laughed, we clapped and, yes, we even fit in a night cap. The program from that night has sat on a mirror by our back door, ever since as a reminder as to why I need to continue to paddle.

I heard many stories that night of people who have been impacted by this terrible disease. One such story is that of Stephanie Anctil-Cameron who was battling cancer, on a treatment that was working for her and then she was taken off the treatment. As she finished her story, she exited the venue with her husband and 2 year old daughter; it was then that I realized, I paddle because I can…

I paddle because maybe that one donation, along the shore, will be the one that makes someone’s life just a little bit better. I paddle because maybe that one donation, in a lock, will allow someone to be with their family just a little bit longer. I paddle because maybe that one donation, in the bucket, will allow someone to tuck their child into bed just one more night. I paddle because maybe me floating down the river in a ripple shows those people (Tim Noonan) who are battling that I care or for those families (Ogilvie’s and Young’s) who have lost love ones (Debbie and Evelyn) that I will remember and honour their memories.

This year I paddle for four people. For Tim Noonan, who has managed to keep his stick on the ice, his lure in the water and his ball in the fairway during his battle. For Debbie Ogilvie, who was laid to rest after her three year battle in early June. For Evelyn Young who was laid to rest after her seven year battle in late May. And for Shona Woodward, who battled for ten years and was laid to rest just a few short weeks ago.

Matt Goral