In March of this year I noticed something that was out of the ordinary and headed to my Doctor for a check. Turns out I had a tumour. After surgery there was a 10 day wait for the results of the biopsy. The test was positive. It was a Grade 2 cancer. Not the killing type; just the type that can bring about significant life style changes. Since then I've had a second operation, a second 10 day waiting period and have been told the cancer has a better then 50% chance of returning unless I undergo an invasive treatment plan. The side effects of the treatment could be minor or major, everyone is affected differently. I won't know how I will be affected until after the treatments start. In a way it does not matter. My battle continues and I'm moving forward. I have partnered with the Canadian Cancer Society and Kayak For a Cure to raise $5,000 for cancer research. I'm doing this by paddling around the Isle of Man in the Irish Sea. This could be easy or it could be very difficult, it all depends on the weather. The island shore line consists of cliffs, long beaches on the west, where the surf and winds from the North Atlantic crash ashore, and dangerous tide rips off the eastern, north and southern headlands. The motivation for this journey comes from Jeff Norville and Kerrion Tastagh who paddled around Vancouver Island in 19.5 days. trying to raise money for breast cancer research. I thought about them and about the excellent care I have received, from people like Dr. Iain McAuley, and about how I have benefited from the efforts of others and how cancer has now touched me. It is now time for me to step up. Kerrion is from the Isle of Man, at the top of the Irish Sea. He journeyed half way around the world to circumnavigate Vancouver Island to raise money for cancer research. I plan the reverse. I will paddle around the Isle of Man and raise money for cancer research. But I won't be alone. I'm putting the name of everyone who contributes on the kayak. Symbolically the donors will be with me as will the hopes and aspirations of cancer victims and those working for a cure. >From time to time I will be up dating my progress on Paddlewise. However, if you want to learn more visit victoriakayaker.blogspot.com to stay updated on my progress. I hope you will enjoy reading about my experiences as I quest to raise money for cancer research and as I make my way around the Isle of Man. One last thing - all the money goes to fight cancer as every penny raised goes to the Canadian Cancer Society. My expenses are mine. I will bare them alone. People have told me I should not be afraid to profit from this effort. I quietly smile and tell them, "I already have, I'm a cancer survivor." Thanks Gordin Warner Follow This Link to visit my personal web page and help me in my efforts to support Canadian Cancer Society - BC and Yukon Division ***************************************************************************** * Some email systems do not support the use of links and therefore this link may not appear to work. If so, copy and paste the following into your browser: http://www.kintera.org/faf/r.asp?t=4&i=222680&u=222680-220904517&e=1733325494 *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************Received on Mon Jun 09 2008 - 15:04:10 PDT
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