Fight, be positive, never give up
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
By: Gerald Slamen

2002: My diagnosis was bladder cancer with a tumour the size of a golf ball. Since then, 6 surgeries,46 treaments of BCG, Interferon, BGC/Interferon mixture and still as of today, receiving booster BCG/Interferon shots.

Age 67.

I finished my 10th year as a pro-ski patroller at Gray Rocks Resort last week. During my diagnosis in 2002, I still continued patrolling even after my treatment and surgeries. In 2006, I entered the half marathon in Disneyland, Orlando and finished in three hours and ten minutes in 33 degree Celsius temperature. My hobbies include motorcycling with my wife, gym training, canoeing, sailing and naturally skiing, walking and enjoying life to the fullest.

Since 2002, cancer has taken the lives from many of my family and good personal friends. A lot of my close friends are now fighting their cancer diagnosis and many more than I can count, have friends and families who have faced the cancer scare.

But we must not give up. The fight will continue for the cure. This is why I am now deeply involved with Relay For Life in support of fundraising for a cure for all cancers.

I owe my life and special thanks to my saviours: Dr. Gerard Monfette, Dr. Adrian Langleben and Dr. Keith Matthews.