26 - The Oakville Beaver Weekend, Saturday March 31, 2007 www.oakvillebeaver.com Creating change through advocacy In communities across Ontario, the Canadian Cancer Society leads in advocating for organized screening programs (colorectal, breast and cervical), measures to protect the public from UV exposure and policies against the harmful effects of tobacco. We speak up to ensure our healthcare system provides high quality care for people living with cancer, and we support efforts to reduce workplace and environmental carcinogens. The Canadian Cancer Society will continue to promote early detection and cancer prevention, and to advocate on issues that affect Canadians in order to achieve our mission of creating a world where no Canadian fears cancer. A special thanks to the Oakville Beaver The Canadian Cancer Society Oakville Unit gratefully acknowledges the generous support of the Oakville Beaver and its staff for making this publication possible! (From left to right) Special Features Editor; Shannon Mastaler, Production Assistant Manager; Sonia Holder, Receptionist; Helena Chartrand, Photography Director; Reg Vertolli, Director of Advertising; Daniel Baird, Sales Representative; Kay Johnstone, Managing Editor; Rod Jerred, Lifestyle Editor; Angela Blackburn, Publisher; Neil Oliver. A story of inspiration and survival By Janice Ford-Spencer OAKVILLE BEAVER SPECIAL Bra-fitting expert from push-up bra to T-shirt bra, cups A-JJ OR Y RAsS cFO bEaVERYBOuDs ! B te tomy r s it Miatings by certified s & swimfitter t y F mastectom Once in a while a life is spared. Neither rhyme nor reason - spared. After speaking with Max Khan, twotime cancer survivor, now Ward six Councilman, it's not such a mystery after all. At the age of 22 Max was given a death sentence. An average student at Toronto Western, basketball player, regular guy - one day told 'you have six months to live'. "My dad came to see me play. I was short of breath and tired, he thought I looked pale," says Max. "We went to the doctor that Friday and a specialist on Monday." On Tuesday Max packed up the life that he knew and checked it into the unknown. Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) is a fast-growing cancer of the blood. Max had a life-threatening hemoglobin level, and after enduring aggressive chemotherapy required a bone marrow transplant. "I have a large family but still no match could be found. We started making `arrangements'," he says, reflecting on the pain his parents endured. "Instinctively I never felt I was going to die." Enter the miracle. His hemoglobin count defied all odds and gradually Max's blood and purpose restored themselves to a healthy level. Max reinvented himself. He returned to university to be elected school president, achieved only A's and excelled at law school. "It was a real eye opener an impetus for life change." Five years later Max was diagnosed with a new cancer...non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. More chemo, transfusions and despair. "I couldn't get lucky twice everything came crashing back." Now, for more than 10 years, Max enjoys a healthy life of accomplishment. It's his humility that credits others for recently passing the pesticide by-law. Max's true achievement lies in his bravery. "I hear songs now that were popular at the time of my treatments...and can still taste the metal on my tongue. I live with a `healthy paranoia'." Yes, once in awhile a life is spared... TROPHIES LIMITED · Plaques · Ribbons · Lapel Pins · Medallions · Corporate Awards · Trophies · Awards · Do your straps dig in? · Does your cup pucker? · Is your b b d too tight? bra band · Do your straps slip off? · Does your b ride up? bra d Book an appointment to be fitted by an expert! d Voted Platinum Winning Lingerie Store Sid s ' Kevin Flynn, MPP Oakville Happy to support the Canadian Cancer Society Community Office: y Unit 2 ,2330 Lakeshore Road West Oakville ON L6L 1H3 tel: 905-827-5141 fax: 905-827-3786 kflynn.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org Proud Supporter of The Canadian Cancer Society! 775 Pacific Rd., Unit 33, Oakville 905-847-1956 FORTINOS (905) 845-3654 Fax: (905) 845-0163 Proud to support The Canadian Cancer Society. Fortino's (South Oakville) Ltd. 173 Lakeshore Road Oakville, Ont. L6K 1E7 DAVE ARMSTRONG VICE PRESIDENT John Crnogorac Franchisee Proud to support pp The Canadian Cancer Society 1079 Speers Road, Oakville, Ontario L6L 2X5 Tel: (905) 844-7586 Fax: (905) 844-1847 Your Supermarket with a Heart!