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Turning Pain into passion
Friday, May 25, 2012
By: Karen Robertson-Poirier
Turning Pain Into Passion
The pain from losing my dad is the passion behind my fundraising efforts!
I've lived close to my parents most of my life. Nothing is more important to me than my family so when it came time to work and raise a family staying in Cornwall only made sense. My dad and I have always been close. We spoke everyday via email or phone and generally we'd meet for coffee daily even if it was just for 5 minutes. He guided me through everything. In a quiet kind of way. I could always count on him. He was always so proud of me. He was the first person I called when I found out I was having twins. He was scared, but super excited. It was at the twins' first birthday party that we realized something wasn't right. My dad who was a small man to start with was losing weight. Shortly after the party, he was diagnosed with cancer of the esophagus. I was crushed, but we told each other that together we would get through this. He has his first treatment just before thanksgiving. He wasn't feeling well enough to celebrate. Christmas too. Unfortunately, his cancer spread to the liver and things happened so fast. On February 17, 2012 we were told that there was nothing more they could do. He had taken the most powerful form of chemo there was. My heart broke that day. I stopped in everyday until his death. I told him that I loved him and would miss him so much. He loved me so much too! Ten days later I got 'the call'. It's still surreal. I miss him so much! In an effort to keep me connected, I've decided to turn my pain into passion and do my best to raise as much money as possible for the Canadian Cancer Society's Relay for Life in Ingleside this year. I'm determined. I love him. Every dollar counts. Every dollar helps. Every dollar brings us closer to find a cure! I love you dad!!!!
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