that I found out about Young Adult Cancer Canada, a sup - port group for 15 to 39 year- olds going through cancer. Unfortunately, it is based in Newfoundland and there is nothing of its kind offered to young people like Nick on a local level. Since Nick’s passing, I have done many things in his honour. His last words were “What can I do for you?” In this spirit, my life has become one of service. I think he would have been very proud to hear
FUNDRAISING Spaghetti Dinner Byron Optimist Sports Complex Even though Nick had tons of friends, there were few who could actually relate to his cancer experience and, although Nick faced cancer with great resilience and strength, he was often left to stoically contemplate his mortality at an age where he should have been going to school, prom, getting a job, graduating and just living life in his prime. Nick faced his death courageously and ultimately died at the age of 23 on September 29, 2018. It was only after his death Young Adults with Cancer Need Support by Tanja Zientara My 17-year-old son, Nicholas Greeson, was diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2012. Initially, he was given a 96% cure rate and entered the world of pediatric oncology. Although being diagnosed with cancer at any age is rough, the pediatric cancer ward offered so many supports, including beautiful, large rooms with huge windows, therapy groups and social workers who specifically tended to their needs and food. The list goes on. Unfortunately, despite his promising diagnosis, Nick relapsed multiple times and the minute he turned 18, he was moved into adult oncology on the 7th floor of the London Health Sciences Centre where he shared rooms with people mostly over the age of 70. Oftentimes there weren’t even windows and if there were, they were often tiny slits looking out onto brick walls. Nick spent many lonely hours on these floors where, over a period of six years, he received multiple rounds of chemo and radiation or spent much time recovering from surgery.
that I wanted to start a support group for others like him in his honour. I envision a local group for people aged 18 to 35, where they can laugh, vent, and support one another during treatment. I want them to tell me what they need, whether it’s just someone to talk to or a space to vent. They should guide this process because it’s their journey. I’ve been there with Nick, so I understand the challenges, but I want to hear from them directly. If anyone is interested in connecting with me and become part of such a group, I can be contacted at tanjazientara@protonmail.com or at 226-378-4461. Tanja and her family are longtime Byron residents.
FUTURE DINNER DATES Wednesday, November 13 Wednesday, December 11
Wednesday, October 9, 2024 5 to 7p.m. $16.00 Per Person (Kids 7 & under FREE) Location: THE BYRON LEGION 1276 COMMISSIONERS ROAD W. BYRON
Menu: Spaghetti w/Meat Sauce, Rolls w/Butter, Dessert, Tea, Coffee & Water Dine-In or Take-Out NOTE: Only Limited Number (140) of Dine-IN Seats Available Please Note: Take-Out is only available for Adult Meals How to order your tickets Send an email to the address below with your Name, Phone Number and the Number of Tickets indicating Dine-In or Take-Out E TRANSFER must be used for payment EMAIL: byronoptimistdinner@gmail.com Once your order has been processed, your tickets will be emailed to you and you will be required to print or save electronically - SORRY NO REFUNDS Check your Junk if you don’t fi nd our response in your regular email NOTE: Deadline for purchasing tickets is Wednesday, October 2, 2024
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