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to dedications
Hi, my name is Louisa Cantelon and I live in
Toronto, Canada. Last week I was assigned to a new project within
my company. As a cause of that project, I was introduced to a
Mr. Bob Hudson, a consultant from Toronto, Fujitsu. I was so impressed
with Mr. Hudson and his professionalism, that I undertook to research
his company. While perusing through Fijitsu’s website, the
following headline flew out at me: "Fujitsu executive
to cycle 4,500 miles to fight cancer: coasttocoastride.com March
5, 2003.
I would like to submit a dedication of our four
year journey through childhood cancer:
NO SURRENDER!
In the spring of 1996, my daughter Alexandra
was diagnosed at the Hospital for Sick Children with Leukemia,
Cancer of the blood. Alexandra was 7 years old at the time, with
a 9-year old brother, and younger twin siblings, aged four. That
spring plunged our family into the devastating and challenging
world of childhood cancer, a four year journey of chemotherapy,
radiation, surgery, medication, the highs of remissions, the lows
of relapses, and when all else failed, a bone marrow transplant.
The emotional challenges were staggering for
all of us and the roadblocks of this disease were endless. A true
humanitarian, Alexandra was courageous, loving, protective of
her brothers and sister, vivacious, enthusiastic, optimistic,
loving, kind, stubborn, tenacious and relentless in her fight
against cancer.
After three long, arduous years of chemotherapy
treatment, our family began the final countdown of treatments
remaining for Alexandra. It was the end of the summer in 1998
and Alexandra had just returned from Camp Oochigeas, her favourite
childhood cancer camp. During a regular, routine visit to our
Oncology ward, our worst fears were realized: The cancer had relapsed.
The treatments were no longer effective in keeping Alexandra in
remission. Our family rallied around Alex and prepared for a bonemarrow
transplant. As luck would have it, her younger brother was a perfect
match!
In the spring of 1999, Alexandra came home from
the hospital–for a short while. She passed away just before
her 11th birthday.
Upon reflection as a mother, I realize that
Alexandra was sent here for a purpose, and her purpose has been
completed. She has positively affected more people in her short,
humble life than most of us could only hope to. She was born into
this world a child, but she left this earth as the teacher. Her
courage and tenacity were left as gifts to us.
Since Alexandra’s passing, I have read
to my children, the Lance Armstrong story. It’s our favourite
book, and we have spent many evenings in our family room voraciously
cheering Lance and his team on during the Tour de France.
During the 2003 Coast to Coast ride, we will
be watching all of you through the web, and cheering you on during
your arduous ride. When you are tired and sore, and the dead of
the night takes it’s hold, look up into the sky -- there
you will find thousands of little dancing stars….they are
our children of true courage who will guide you through the dark
‘til the dawn breaks once again.
God Bless,
Louisa Cantelon & Family
Toronto, Ontario
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