The following text may have been generated by Optical Character Recognition, with varying degrees of accuracy. Reader beware!

12- PORT PERRY STAR - Tuesday, August 29, 1995 "Scugog's Community Newspaper of Choice" By Kelly Lown Port Perry Star UMMER CAMP is a special time in a child's life and it is no differ- ent for those living with cancer. Camp Oochigeas, located on ET TT TT pT tt Terry Fox Run on September 17 ment with his chance of recovery being 90 per cent. Jeffrey, like others stricken with leukemia, undergoes his treat- ments in five phases, with maintenance as the last phase. Jeffrey, the oldest of three children of Robert and Marilyn Blair, of Seagrave, -- has learned to accept his illness and to live life to the fullest and summer camp was no different. ¢ The past year and a half has been a rough time for the Blair fami- ly and Jeffrey's trip to Camp Oochigeas may | have been just what the doctor ordered for the entire family. When the Blairs heard of the camp, Jeffrey jumped at the chance to attend, say- ing it was a way "to get away from his parents. To take a break from them," Jeff said. His mother agreed, calling the two weeks a break for both Jeff and herself and husband * | Robert. The camp does not encourage parents or children to call one Jeffrey Blair, 9, of Seagrave spent two weeks this another, except in the summer at Camp Oochigeas, a camp for children event of emergencies, with cancer. Jeff will be taking part in the Terry Fox Mrs. Blair said. Run this Sept. 17 and encourages others to participate in this worthwhile event. Lake Rousseau, is a summer camp for children with all types of cancer. Children can attend the camp for two weeks in the summer where their child- hood enthusiasm and medical needs are met by trained professionals. Jeffrey Blair, 9, of Seagrave, spent two weeks at the camp in July and had the time of his life. His face lights up at the mere mention of the camp, which, if only for 14 days, made him forget about his illness, that at times can depress him. Jeffrey was diagnosed with A.L.L. Leukemia on January 24, 1994 and is undergoing treatment at the Hospital For Sick Children in Toronto. He will undergo three years of treat- The time is meant to be a break to allow all of the family time to forget their troubles for a while and for the child to have some fun. The family missed one another during the two weeks, although Jeff is more reluctant to admit it, but it was an experience both said they wouldn't have missed. It gave Jeff a chance to spent time with other children afflicted with cancer and to live like a normal child, while the family got a break from the constant and often overwhelming stress that can exist when a child is ill. Jeff was always an active, popular boy, always looking for some activity to excel in. He plays baseball and hockey and learned he excels at other sports while away at camp. As well as taking part in activities such as tubing, orienteering, fishing, swimming, sailing, kayaking and canoeing, Jeff was awarded the Special Camp Oochigeas Award for waterski- ing, a sport he never tried until attend- ing camp. The camp had a full day of activities for the children from early morning through to the evenings. The children at the camp instantly bond, although Jeffrey said they do not talk about their illnesses with one another. It is a time to play and to forget all they are going through. The 80 kids played like healthy child- ren, welcoming their counselors with water guns early in the morning and playing a host of other. tricks on one another. All the pranks and activities brought constant laughter, perhaps the esearch important to find a cure for cancer allowed to return to the camp every year, whether they are in remission or not. Many return in their teen years to become counselors. Jeff said he is glad he went to the camp 'and would recommend it to any other kids fighting cancer. "If I could I'd live there," Jeff said. doko ok Jeff will be taking part in the Terry Fox Run for the second straight year on September 17. After walking one kilom- eter in last year's event, he along with his parents, brother Kyle and sister Stephanie will tackle the 10-kilometer bicycle route. Jeff, raised $400 through sponsorship last year, and will be out knocking on doors this year, hoping to raise even more for the run. best medicine of all. "I forgot (that I was sick) --- except for when I got chemotherapy," Jeff said. The camp is staffed by counselors, many of whom are former Camp Oochigeas campers, as well as by doc- tors and nurses who attend to all treat- ments and needs of the kids. Jeff is already looking forward to next year's camping trip, an obvious tribute to the work done there. Children are As last year's youngest member of Terry's Team, Jeff says everyone who can should take part in the Terry Fox Run. "It's good for them and it's for a good cause -- to raise money to find a cure for cancer," Jeff said. That is what the Terry Fox Run is all about. All funds raised go directly to cancer research, to find a cure for cancer and to help people like Jeffrey. a cure for the disease. country. Marathon of Hope keeps Terry's dream alive FTER an absence of several years the Terry Fox Run returned to Scugog last year. The event was a huge success locally, raising more than $14,000., and organizers are hope- ful of an even better response this year. Terry Fox's Marathon of Hope had the simple objective of raising the awareness of Canadians of the critical need to find a cure for cancer. In 1995 it is estimated that 125,400 new cases of cancer will be diagnosed and will cause 61,500 deaths. Ontario will see 48,5600 new cases and 22.400 deaths due to the disease. By taking part in the run or sponsoring someone who is, you are making a donation towards finding Terry Fox was diagnosed with osteogenic sarcoma (bone cancer) in his right leg in 1977. His leg was amputated six inches above his knew. Overcome by the suffering of cancer patients he decided to run across Canada to raise funds for cancer research. The Terry Fox Foundation raises funds for use in innovative cancer research primarily through this annual event. The NINC is the sole beneficiary of the funds raised. It utilizes these funds for innova- tive cancer research secking the secrets behind ear- ly detection, treatment and cures for all cancers. The run has become so successful in Canada, with more than 3,000 runs held throughout the Locally the organizers are looking towards the community for support for the run day barbecue. Donations of food and money are being excepted for the barbecue, which culminates the return of participants from the run. Souvenir items, such as hats and T-shirts will also be available this year, in hopes of putting the total over the top. The finishing touches are being put on the course, as it will differ slightly from last year's route. The five and 10-kilometer courses will begin at the fairgrounds and wind through Port Perry and Prince Albert. a --o-- OIG