This first blog posting of 2009 has a sad message associated with it….January 2nd we lost a great friend and leader to all of us at Princess Margaret. Mr. Eric Innes passed from pancreatic cancer. Eric is the husband of our wonderful board member Candace Innes. Eric has been tireless in supporting us at events, as a fund raiser, as a team leader and wonderful inspiration in the Ride to Conquer Cancer. Eric has been an inspiration to all of us as he has faced his cancer with quiet determination, grace, good humour and a positive attitude that was remarkable. Eric had a very distinguished business career and was also very active in volunteer leadership. He faced his cancer with the loving support of his beloved Candace and his two fine sons. Eric rode the entire Ride to Conquer Cancer last year….all 200+km to Niagra Falls, even though his cancer and treatment left him weakened. The positive message here is the inspiration and determination we gain from the pleasure of knowing people like Eric. I opened a Christmas greeting and letter from Eric and his family today on my return from a holiday break in Key West. I will keep this letter from Eric and pull it out of my file whenever I need a boost to pursue our collective vision and ambition “To Conquer Cancer In Our Lifetime”. Eric, God bless you buddy.