Irv and Rhonda's Story

Irv Raft is my best friend and my life partner. We've shared many good times and many challenges and we always seem to rise up and carry on. Now we are facing the biggest challenge ever. Irv was diagnosed with prostate cancer in the summer of 2010. He was only 50 years old at the time. In November, he had a prostatectomy and we hoped that the surgery would have been successful. Unfortunately, it was not. The cancer had already gone beyond his prostate and his PSA never reached a negligible level. Since radiation presents too much of a risk because of Irv's history of ulcerative colitis and because the chance of benefit from it would be so low, the only option left to us now, is androgen deprivation therapy. We hope that doctors will agree to a triple blockade hormone therapy protocol, with bicalutamide, Lupron and Avodart, and we hope that this will control Irv's cancer for many years so that we can continue to enjoy our life together. We also hope that with future research, there will be new treatments on the horizon which will not only continue to control Irv's cancer, but will also present a cure for prostate cancer, for Irv and for all other victims of this insidious men's disease...and for all those who love them.

Aaron's Story

I am an 11-year survivor of prostate cancer. My story was a shocker at first, as I was diagnosed on the same day that I also found out I needed to have quadruple bypass surgery. But here we are in 2011 and I'm telling you about it so everything worked out well. My prostate journey led me to a support group - now called PCCN-Toronto - which was of great help to me and where I served as its chairman for 8 1/2 years. I strongly recommend support groups for newly-diagnosed men as a great place to acquire much-needed information both before and after treatment. The support of family and friends is equally important. Prostate cancer, expecially when diagnosed early, can be very treatable and curable, so men have to be screened early and often. Be your own advocate and take care of your overall health - your family wants and needs you around!

Amy, Doug and The Whole Gang

The Whole Gang including two Dads one of whom survived Prostate Cancer. This is our biggest group yet! Very exciting. We had so much fun together.

Tracy's Story

Six years ago I lost my mother to a terminal illness she'd suffered since I was 9. Two years later my Father began suffering with prostate issues. My Dad, who had been my Mother's solid foundation for over 12 years, was himself suffering from a very painful ailment. It was very hard for me to watch, and I'm so thankful that four years on, my Dad is still holding on strong! This will also be my fourth year running for my Dad, and it's the very least I can do to show my Dad how much I support and love him. I'm also running for my brother, and for all the men in my life! Let's all put an end to prostate cancer.

California and Kelly's Story

My Dad lost his battle with prostate cancer last April 7/10. He fought hard for a few years and on his bucket list was a trip to California. My sister, my mom and I took him to California in October of 2009. Although he wasn't able to walk well anymore he toughed it out starting in San Fransico, to the Napa Valley, to Carmel, to Pismo Beach, a night on the Queen Mary, to Los Angeles, to Beverly Hills and ending in Hollywood. We all loved the trip, trying as it was at time, it is a great memory to have.

Coach Mike

  At the start of the 2006/07 hockey season the Hawks Bantam 3 team was in need of an assistant coach. Coach Will Sanderson remembers meeting Mike Williams in the lobby of Castledowns arena, where they started talking coaching philosophy.Within five minutes he knew they were meant to coach together. At first, Mike was a little intimidating due to the fact that he had already been through the Hawks as a coach once with his son Bryan and because of the playing experience, coaching experience and overall hockey knowledge that he possessed. As the first season went on, Will realized that they were a natural fit to Coach together. Everything was seamless and they even went on to win the City Championship that season. Mike was born and raised in the Kensington neighborhood of Edmonton, Alberta. He grew up playing community hockey and progressed to CAC where he played Midget AA with the Butchers and Packers. He went on to play Junior A hockey here in Edmonton. He is too modest to admit this himself, but we are sure he was close to having an opportunity to play pro. Mike went on to play Senior A hockey with the Stony Plain Eagles where he was the Captain. He took his team to play in Japan and made numerous memories and friends along the way. Mike and his wife Joanne have four children together; Bryan, Kathleen and his twin boys Lorne and Peter. He works for the City of Edmonton and also owns and operates a lawn care and snow removal business. We are always amazed that he still finds time to give back to the game he loves. Mike had by far the busiest season in 2007/2008. He had the opportunity to Coach both the Bantam 1 Hawks team and the NWZ Midget tier 3 team. Mike's patience, leadership and ability to get the most out of his players showed through his achievements. The Bantam team won both minor hockey week and the City Championship and the Midgets won Minor Hockey Week and were one shot away from winning the Cities. Mike went on to coach another season with the Bantam 1 Hawks with similar success. He then decided to try something new and went on to Coach a season at Canadians Athletic Club. This past season 2010/11 he decided to come back to grass roots hockey and Coach with the Hawks again. He put his efforts into Coaching the Atom 1 Hawks and the Bantam 1 Hawks. Near the end of the season, prior to playoffs in February, Mike informed us that he was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer. As his friends, we have always admired his patience and hard working nature. He is a role model for all. His dedication to teaching kids the game of hockey and overall life skills is second to none. He will continue to help build leaders in the community, as this is his passion. It was amazing how he was able to keep his illness quiet and keep the focus on the teams. Like any life changing issue there are ups and downs. Mike has had to go through a lot of pain to get to where he is now. Mike is ready to stay positive and fight this disease so he can get back to doing what he does best which is raising his family and coaching hockey. Because of this we his friends decided we had to do something and give back to him. On June 19th, please join "Coach Mike's gang" and help raise funds for cancer research and join in supporting Coach Mike “Stick it” to prostate cancer.

My Dad

My Dad was diagnosed with colo-rectal cancer about one year ago, he recently has finished treatment and now waits and is getting surgery about mid-June. His strength makes me stronger. <3 ILY Dad!

Clare Loves Kim

I first saw his face on September 8th, 2005. Kim and I shared the same desires, goals and values. It was here that we fell deeply in love. Kim proposed to me and we married on June 21, 2008. Here we united our children and became a family. Since we have met we have been extremely lucky in life with our amazing relationship, this has helped us to get through life challenges. However, we never expected what seems to be life’s ultimate challenge, Prostate Cancer at 41. This is not supposed to happen! Kim was first diagnosed on February 25th, 2011 with 4th stage Prostate Cancer that had metastasized throughout the majority of his bones. He received treatment immediately at Sunnybrook Hospital in Toronto. Looking at Kim now I’m amazed to see how far he has come from almost not being able to walk, and this was only months ago. With the support of family and friends as well as the many medical services he is utilizing he travels this journey with integrity. My husband is a hero in my eyes; he remains strong for his wife, children and others around him. I have seen firsthand what donations can do and how they help. Together we can extend the word about Prostate Cancer awareness. It’s not just a disease of the elders. Let’s help our men spread the word!

Bill and Marjie

On the 23 of April 2011 I lost the Love of my Life Bill. It was a shock to us all! We had gone to Calgary for just one night stay with family. Our Daughter Jenn,Son Phil and daughter-in-law Lisa went there together. Having lots of laughs and jokes on the journey, and look back on that family journey together as very special indeed! We just arrived there and my husband Bill felt dizzy and faint. 911 was called but my son being a Fire Fighter start CPR! My husband was able to come to enough after me shouting don't leave me love. To say Marjie I love.. Ours was a Love Story for sure. Bill Fought his Fight for 11 years and what a Brave and Positive Man he was!It was a blood clot from the chemo they believe. To say I miss him is a grave understatement! Only God knows our time. Until we meet again "My Darling Billy (Billyboy)". I will love you forever and all ways 101 Kisses Xx