Procure Walk of Courage 2009 - What a success!

I am so glad that I found this event and even happier that I participated. What a great day! My husband and I rolled out with Sara in her stroller to walk alongside an energized crowd of about 300 walkers. The walk itself was beautiful - it took us through the lovely paths of Île Sainte-Hélène. The day ended with inspirational speeches, a big BBQ, live entertainment and socializing amongst the participants. Feeling empowered at the end of a day rather than angry or helpless was a very welcome change. It was just what we needed.

The last year and a half has been difficult. My father was diagnosed with prostate cancer in January 2008. Sadly, it was detected too late and he was told rather matter-of-factly that he won't beat it. Nevertheless, he is facing it with the same spirit and energy that he has brought to every other aspect of his life.

Prostate cancer has an excellent cure rate - 95% of tumors can be treated successfully if diagnosed early enough. Unfortunately, Dad's was caught late. Symptoms he brought to his doctor's attention were dismissed as being normal for a fellow in his seventies. Eventually the doctor prescribed treatment for arthritis. When Dad returned for a 4th visit to complain about bone pain his doctor had what Oprah might call an "aha" moment. A PSA test was ordered... and the doctor returned to my dad looking like he'd been slapped across the face. Normally, the level of PSA detected in the blood is between 0.0 and 4.0. My father's came back at over 850... Further tests. And then the diagnosis: very advanced, high-grade metastatic prostate cancer. Incurable. The cancer had been running rampant for a while, they think for 3 or 4 years. So that explains my feelings of anger.

As for feelings of helplessness... Dad and I live about a thousand miles apart, not an ideal situation. I wish I was closer so that I could offer day-to-day support and to help keep his mind off of things. He's not one to wallow in self-pity but, lets face it, dealing with cancer is hard. There are days when it's obvious that it's getting to him. I do what I can across the miles and during visits but it never seems like enough. Because he's my father.

So preparing for and doing the walk was therapeutic altruism. Amazingly, each and every person I approached wanted to make a donation. I was very, very touched by this, especially given the tough economic times we're experiencing. The warm and generous support offered by family, friends and local merchants means that Procure will be able to help many more people. Thank you so much, everyone!

I thought the least I could do in return was to shine a spotlight on the shops, restaurants and service centers owned by these fine people. I encourage you to spend some time in the Dorval village discovering what they have to offer. You won't be disappointed :).

A BIG thank-you to:

Wild Willy's
Ice cream
539 Lakeshore Drive

Produits Ecologiques Mareka
Environmentally-friendly cleaning products, composters, baby carriers, diapers and more!
535 Lakeshore Drive
http://www.mareka.org

Bijouterie Jean-Guy Aubry
Jewellers
435 Lakeshore Drive
http://www.aubrybijoux.com/index.html

Toilettage Doggy Style
Pet grooming
543 Lakeshore Drive

Raviolissimo
Delicious fresh pasta and sauces
618 Lakeshore Drive

Boucherie Chartier
Butcher
655 Lakeshore Drive

Rona
Hardware, paint, and more!
707 Lakeshore Drive

Chaussures Monte Carlo
Shoes, handbags and more!
715 Lakeshore Drive

T&M Sushi Bar
Sushi
678 Lakeshore Drive

Restaurant Natalino
Italian cuisine
365 Lakeshore Drive
http://www.natalino.ca/

Bellissimo Resto Bar
Italian cuisine & live entertainment
484 Lakeshore Drive

* Listed in no particular order. Also, while some businesses of the Dorval village are missing from the list it is not because they declined a chance to donate. The owners were simply not in when I stopped by.