I'm having a hard time trying to think of one word to describe 2008. The year that just finished was historic, frightening, inspirational, rewarding, difficult, and full of surprises. This was one of the most spectacular years I have experienced in my 52 years. The press will be full of stories on the economy, President Obama, global unrest and scientific achievement.

I have three general observations on 2008:

1. The world wants what Canada has.
2. If you have your health and people who love you then you have no worries!
3. Investing your time, passion, effort, money or career in a cause which is important to you is a great gift. It is significance beyond success.

This has been an extraordinary year. Extraordinary is the word I have chosen to describe 2008. I found it personally extraordinary. For The Princess Margaret we hosted the Brazilian Ball and raised a record sum. An extraordinary success. I also witnessed the passing of the extraordinary Anna Maria de Souza. The Campbell family, Linda, Gaye and Susan, provided extraordinary support to the cause "To Conquer Cancer in Our Lifetime". Their generosity and vision helped create the expanded Campbell Family Cancer Research Institute. Our extraordinary board chairman Mr. Neville Kirchmann passed the leadership role to a new, extraordinary board chairman Mr. Keith Ambachtsheer. We launched the extraordinarily successful Ride to Conquer Cancer and then announced a national expansion of the ride. We shared the triumph with the extraordinary Chinyere Eni. We saw thousands raise millions again in the Weekend to End Breast Cancer and the extraordinary 95 year old Kitty Cohen walk the entire 60km. We lost friends and supporters like Audrey, Anna, Brian, Annie and so so many other extraordinary people. We sold an extraordinary number of lottery tickets. We saw Joe run an extraordinary triathalon, Domenic run an extraordinary dinner, and over 7,000 paper doves pay tribute to those extraordinary people who have fought the fight with cancer.

We have so many supporters, volunteers, donors, doers, builders and believers.....they are all extraordinary. We have a vision, an ambition, and a passion.....To Conquer Cancer In Our Lifetime.

In closing my last blog posting for 2008, I want to thank all who have given their time, money, friendship and support......these are extraordinary gifts.

Finally, I am grateful to work in one of the world's top comprehensive cancer facilities, to live in an extraordinary country, to celebrate good health, many many friends, and the extraordinary feeling seeing us move closer to "Conquering Cancer In Our Lifetime".

Thanks to all who read this blog. Thanks to all who support PMH. Happy Holidays! All the best for a truly extraordinary 2009!!!

Paul Alofs