Happy New Year everybody and I hope you had a wonderful and memorable holiday. I am back from two weeks in Key West with Sheila and my son James and daughter Sarah (Sarah is turning 21 on January 29th and will be at school in Dublin at Trinity for her birthday). While I was away, I was thinking and remembering three friends all from different parts of my life who passed away from cancer just recently. Starting with my favourite uncle, Frank (Buzz) Long passed away in Windsor from cancer just before Christmas. He was the brother of my mom Pat and was just an amazing guy. He was also a leading volunteer in the cancer community in Windsor after his retirement from the auto industry. His wife Dorothy and kids George, Barb and Stephen were all a big part of my life growing up. The last time I saw my uncle Buzz was up in Meaford at the small cemetery where my grandmother, grandfather, and mother are interred. So long Uncle Buzz and I know you will have a fishing rod in your hand as I write this! From my music industry days, I remember fondly the long association I had with Haydain Neale, one of Canada’s brightest and most talented musicians. Haydain was also one of the nicest and kindest people you could ever meet and he had a serious accident involving his motor bike before he was diagnosed with cancer. Haydain’s music lives on and so do my memories of him. So long Haydain. Finally, one of Toronto’s leading business lights, the irrepressible David Pecaut also passed away from cancer. I remember having lunch with David and I was absolutely amazed by his knowledge of cancer research and clinical care. He was a force of nature. He was also the coach of my daughter’s soccer team. So long David.

So, this new year is one where my personal motivation for the work we do here at Princess Margaret has never been higher. As well, I have colleagues that I work with every day who have also been diagnosed with cancer. The personal nature of this disease and the number of people that are directly or indirectly affected by it is stunning. So, if you are reading this, there is a good chance you will hear from us at PMHF and we will be asking for your help. We need volunteers, we need money, and we need the passion of people who want to help us conquer cancer in our lifetime. To all of the volunteers who help out and do so much, we are grateful as we cannot do our work without you. For the docs and researchers and nurses and staff who look after people with cancer, I hope you realize how much we all appreciate you.

Happy New Year and please help us out in 2010. We need you!