Inspired by Myles, girl donates her hair
by Peter Epp
Wednesday May 14, 2008
Chatham This Week
Michelle Nolan had 14 inches of her long hair cut off for charity last week.
And when it grows back in two years' time, she plans to have it cut again.
The 14-year-old Chatham girl donated her shorn hair to a Mississauga-based organization that will use it to help construct hairpieces and wigs for kids who have lost their hair to cancer treatments.
For Nolan, it's a personal matter. Although she's never had to live with cancer, she's had family members and friends suffer from cancer, and some of them have died.
Among them were Myles McLellan, a friend of hers whose death two years ago continues to have a personal impact.
She knew Myles
"I knew Myles personally when I attended Our Lady of Fatima School, and what he went through really impacted me," Nolan said.
"It's something that really touched me, and I'm going to do what I can to fight cancer and to help those who have the disease."
Ironically, while Nolan was a student at the elementary school, she was the first recipient of the Myles McLellan Soaring for Miracles Award.
She's now a Grade 9 student at Ursuline College Chatham, but her concern hasn't been diminished.
"I'm going to grow my hair out again, and then two years from now, I'll get it cut again."
McLellan gets mayor’s nod for national award
by Emily Paige
Wednesday March 26, 2008
Chatham This Week
The Myles Miracle CANcer Assist Wellness Centre received some local recognition last Wednesday for earning a national award in January.
Mayor Randy Hope presented Susan McLellan with a certificate.
The Wellness Centre, for which McLellan is executive director, was named Canadian Health Hero by Reader's Digest in January.
"Acts of goodwill are not always recognized and when someone is recognized nation-wide we should pay more attention to those individuals," said Hope.
It feels good
McLellan said it feels good to be recognized for a project that has taken a long time to come to fruition.
"Having the centre is the most significant thing," she said.
McLellan added that the national award is more of a testament "to the need and support of the community.
"I was just the one at the helm, that's all."
Five Canadian heroes were selected by Reader's Digest readers, based on the nominees' contributions to education, community service, rescue, public life and health.
Boy's donation keeps cancer patients warm
by Emily Paige
Wednesday March 19, 2008
A nine-year-old Chatham boy has found a way to keep his grandparent’s spirit alive while keeping cancer patients warm.
Brandon Long visited the Myles Miracle Mission CANcer Assist Wellness Centre last Friday to make an initial donation of three afghans.
Each blanket has a small card attached to it that reads FAITH (friends are in the heart), with a poem on the backside.
The card, drawn by Brandon, also includes an angel surrounded by hearts.
His grandfather, Jim died in April 2006 after a year-long battle with esophageal cancer.
Brandon said he was close to his grandfather, and remembers their annual trips to Jefferson Junction campgrounds near Appin.
He would visit his grandfather daily and was present through each step of the cancer treatments.
The loss of his grandparent is still fresh in Brandon’s mind. On Friday, he was brought to tears as he handed over the afghans.
“This is the first time he has talked about his grandpa to anyone outside of the family,” explained grandmother Deb Long Whitmarsh.
She described her husband as a “very, very positive person” even into his last days. She recalled the candy dishes scattered throughout their home that contained mints or candies, which he always referred to as “happy pills.”
“He wanted to do something for people who have gone through the same thing,” Long Whitmarsh said of her grandson’s generosity.
While she crotchets the blankets, she said the project was Brandon’s idea.
Long Whitmarsh creates about two afghans a month, and she doesn’t see the service ending any time soon.
The activity gives her something “to keep my fingers busy,” she says.
Susan McLellan, executive director of the Cancer Wellness Centre, said the donation was the first of its kind that will be used in co-ordination with the Miracle Grant program.
When clients are visited at home for the intake process of financial aid, they will be given a blanket.
“Kids are resilient but struggle with sadness as well,” McLellan said.”They feel helpless as well as having issues they are dealing with and focusing on giving back is part of the healing process.”
McLellan said the blankets arrived at the right time.
“We were thinking we needed something to take to homes and then she (Long Whitmarsh) called. The timing was great.”
Yoga helps heal body; Specialist speaks on aiding cancer patients
by Heather Travis
Complementary treatments of yoga, acupuncture and meditation can aid the healing of patients diagnosed with cancer, says a specialist.
On April 18-20, Nova Scotia radiation oncologist, Dr. Robert Rutledge, will be the guest speaker at the Skills for Healing Cancer Weekend Retreat at the Wheels Inn.
The event, sponsored by the Myles' Miracle Mission - CANcer Assist Wellness Centre (MMM) and the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance, will provide encouragement for those undergoing or recently completed treatment for cancer and their family and friends.
"I believe it helps to help fight off cancer cells," said Rutledge, in a phone interview Thursday. "These simple techniques of relaxation and good nutrition can actually empower one's body to actually heal, physically, psychologically and spiritually."
Rutledge said he will teach participants a "smorgasbord" of techniques that work in conjunction with traditional medical treatments to provide cancer patients with strategies for a complete mind, body and spiritual healing.
"I want people to walk away feeling like they have a number of ways of approaching the cancer diagnosis," he said.
In addition to discussing complementary treatments, Rutledge will speak about the best way to get care from the medical system, the role of nutrition in healing and how to build up your body after treatment.
Rutledge said those who exercise and feel less stress are better able to tolerate their chemotherapy.
Susan McLellan, executive director for MMM, said there are limited spaces available for the weekend, which has drawn interest from people living in Edmonton, Windsor and London.
"The doctors with traditional medicine deal with the cancer itself and the healing weekend retreat deals with everything else," said McLellan.
Registration starts at 5 p.m. on Friday, April 18.
Members of the community are also invited to participate in an open forum held that day.
However, only registered participants can attend the Saturday and Sunday retreat, which is from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days. The cost is $50 per person.
"Sometimes just hearing the word cancer can put you on a whirlwind of terrible thoughts," said McLellan. "(Rutledge) stresses that cancer is just a word."
Rutledge said the weekend fosters bonds between cancer patients and connections with local support networks.
"There is a real magic that happens," he said. "You go from the Friday afternoon where people are looking pretty scared and anxious, to the Sunday afternoon where you see a full transformation . . . a level of peacefulness, calm and resolve."
For more information or to register for the event, visit www.mylesmiraclemission.ca or call 519-351-4811
Susan McLellan named 'Canadian Hero'
by Heather Travis
Susan McLellan received an early Christmas present this year - she was nominated as Reader's Digest's Canadian Hero for health.
The January edition of Reader's Digest Canada features an article on the local resident's campaign to develop a cancer wellness centre for cancer patients and their families. The five Canadian heroes were selected by readers of the magazine based on their contributions to education, community service, rescue, public life and health.
"We were honoured to be selected," said McLellan, who received notice just before Christmas that she was selected as a finalist. "It's not really my accomplishment. It's the accomplishment of the community."
The article details the McLellan family's struggle with their son Myles' cancer diagnosis in 2002, his treatments and his subsequent death in February of 2006 at the age of 13-years-old.
McLellan also describes her desire to further the work her son started through the Myles' Miracle Mission - Cancer Assist charity. But the shining light of the story - and that for which McLellan is nominated - is Myles' commitment to helping others with cancer and promoting a healthier community.
Before his death, Myles raised $175,000 for cancer-related causes and $75,000 for his own charity.
"I was told I was being considered . . . just before Christmas," said McLellan. "The timing was good because we don't have Myles here for Christmas. It was a nice gift for Wayne (her husband) and I."
The nomination as a health hero was granted to McLellan because of her passion to open the Myles' Miracle Mission CANcer Assist Wellness Centre in Chatham.
The centre will offer families a comfortable environment to receive information, support and counseling, among several other services, to heal the mind, body and spirit of cancer patients and their families.
"We are honoured that Myles' legacy has reached across Canada," she said.
Although McLellan received credit from the magazine for her tireless efforts to support those living with cancer, McLellan said the community of Chatham-Kent is the true hero.
"It was the community of Chatham-Kent that was nominated for taking care of their own," she said. "Myles looked beyond his cancer, beyond himself and at the community.
"We care about our community's health."
The cancer wellness centre is expected to be open early in the new year, said McLellan.
"We are ready to go and are tying up loose ends," she said. "The need there is so strong."
McLellan said the magazine plans to hold a reception for the award winners
Organizer 'ecstatic' over Festival of Trees results
by Karen Robinet
Wednesday December 05, 2007
The organizer of last week's Festival of Trees at the Kinsmen Auditorium says it's the gift that will keep on giving all year round in Chatham-Kent.
Susan McLellan said Monday the event had raised about $80,000 before expenses, and that will allow the Myles McLellan CANcer Assist Wellness Centre to deliver a multitude of
much-needed programs and services to those in the community.
"I'm ecstatic about the possibilities of what we can do for people with cancer," she said.
McLellan said she and the Myles Miracle Mission board, which took on the project only three months ago, were overwhelmed at the support for the 10th annual festival.
Over 500 volunteers worked tirelessly to present the festival, which had as its theme, Believe, from the film The Polar Express.
One of the first things the board will do with proceeds from the festival will be to buy a specialized unit which will allow people in Chatham-Kent to access the computerized cancer resources of the Princess Margaret Hospital in Toronto.
"It allows people to come in and research their cancers," McLellan said.
"They have all the up-to-date information on trial drugs, and a three-dimensional picture of their cancer allows them to get a hands-on look at what they're dealing with."
That equipment comes with a $10,000 price tag, and the remainder of the proceeds will go towards other programs offered at the centre.
"Our overhead is low," said McLellan, which means that much of the money raised can go to augmenting and expanding existing programs, as well as having qualified oncologists and life specialists to help run them.
She said Dr. Tom Perkins, the event's honorary chairperson, had told those at the gala that with cutbacks in the medical field, community resources, like the cancer centre are vital, helping complete the circle of care.
From Wednesday's preview party, to the Saturday night gala, McLellan said the festival was well-attended.
Breakfast with Santa was a sold-out event, and she said McDonald's managed to serve the entire meal within 20 minutes.
Elsewhere, the festival had the same level of efficiency, with everything "running like clockwork," thanks to the many volunteers.
"An event of this magnitude could never have transpired and be what it was without the volunteers," she said. "Everyone was doing their job and because they were doing their job, everything went together like a puzzle."
Some of the highlights of this year's festival included Bubba the Talking Tree, which proved to be very popular with youngsters, as well as the Celebrate A Life Tree, which was well-supported.
A number of special events were held throughout the four days of the event, including a pasta luncheon, seniors' tea, Jingle Bell Jam and family movie night, all of which were well-attended.
Throughout the week, children had the opportunity to do their Christmas shopping, as well as participate in a number of crafts, and the Christmas tree and wreath draws, as well as other raffles and auctions were well-supported, by both sponsors and the public.
Even before this year's festival was over though, McLellan said organizers were already looking ahead to next year's event.
"There are a lot of things we'll change," she said,
adding that the festival has the potential to grow even more.
"We can't thank the community enough for supporting it," she said.
On Sunday morning, the tear-down began at 7 a.m., and was finished before 3 p.m. thanks to the many hands of the volunteers.
"They're the ones who made the magic happen," she said.
Film captures private moments; Myles Documentary to be screened nov. 2
Posted By HEATHER TRAVIS
Susan McLellan is a bit apprehensive about seeing her son Myles on the big screen.
For two years a film crew from Toronto followed the McLellan family through some of the most personal and heart-wrenching moments as their 13-year-old son Myles lost his battle with cancer.
"It was hard," said McLellan. "There were quite a few very private moments with the camera crew."
The footage was used to create the documentary Surviving the Treatment: The Return of Myles McLellan. It was produced by Billie Mintz, who was inspired by Myles' story after hearing doctors at the Princess Margaret Hospital in Toronto describe his courage.
On Nov. 2, the film will be screened for the first time at the Kiwanis Theatre at 8 p.m.
The documentary is not "sugar-coated," said McLellan. Instead, Myles and his family chose to share doctor visits, treatment sessions and the emotional highs and lows of living with cancer.
McLellan hopes the raw footage will give hope to some and open a window into how cancer affects an entire family.
"One thing I want people to take away from the film is to, for a moment, be in Myles' shoes," she said.
Myles was diagnosed with a brain tumor on his ninth birthday and endured years of treatment to stop the cancer from spreading. During that time, Myles started campaigning for cancer research and finding a cure. The family established Myles' Miracle Mission CANcer Assist, a volunteer community organization, to provide financial assistance and information to cancer patients and their families.
Although Myles appeared to be progressing, the tumor reemerged and on February 16, 2006, he lost his battle.
The film crew was present for every moment, including when Myles died, said McLellan. The hours of footage of Myles playing, talking and laughing are also going to be hard to watch, she added."
We are bracing ourselves to see Myles on screen going through his cancer," she said, holding back tears. "The movie will evoke emotions in us that we couldn't have at the time because we had to be strong."
McLellan and her husband Wayne will be viewing the film privately, prior to the public screening. After the viewing at the Kiwanis Theatre, the movie is expected to be distributed to hospitals and schools across North America.
"I thought it was important to show it first here in Chatham . . . They were very much a part of his journey," she said.
A wine and cheese reception will be held prior to the screening.
Tickets for the event are sold at the theatre for $20. All of the proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to Myles' Miracle Mission CANcer Wellness Centre.
"He always wanted to be a star," said McLellan.
Festival of Trees pageant part of event this year
Emily Paige
Wednesday September 19, 2007
The annual Festival of Trees event will feature a pageant in October, leading to the crowning of the first-ever Miss Festival of Trees on Nov. 30.
Chairing the event is former beauty pageant winner, Delynn Haggith, who has been involved with the Festival of Trees as a volunteer since it was under the direction of the Lung Association.
“I love, love the Festival of Trees,” the Chatham woman says.
Myles Miracle Mission has since taken on the event, yet Haggith says the pageant “is not a beauty pageant by any means.”
She explains that Miss Festival of Trees will be chosen after two rounds of judging, for a total of up to 100 points. A committee will select 25 participants for the first round, and 10 will move into the final round.
The first round will include an interview with a judge, which Haggith says will be worth 50 points. The rest of the points will include 10 marks for having your photograph taken with a cancer survivor, 10 marks for talent, and 10 marks for formal wear.
Haggith says she’s seen the talent portion include everything from dancing to singing to art and monologues in other pagaents.
The first portion of the pageant will take place on Oct. 21 at the Wheels Inn. The second and final half of the pageant will be held Nov. 30 at the Festival of Trees.
The winner will be presented with her crown, other gifts, and $500. The first runner-up, who will appear on the winner’s behalf if needed, will receive a crown, other gifts, and $250. The second runner-up will receive a crown, $50 and other gifts.
Haggith says candidates should have some knowledge of cancer and community involvement. Applicants must be aged 17 to 24 and find a business to sponsor their $50 entrance fee.
Haggith, who has held the title of Miss Teen America, Cover Miss and National Star, will be emcee for the event.
She says Miss Festival of Trees will have a year-long commitment. The winner is expected to attend functions such as dinners, fund-raisers and parades.
“We expect you to be committed to this, but it’s not like there is something going on every day.”
Anyone who wishes to enter the pageant can pick up a registration form at the Myles Miracle Mission house at 150 Victoria Ave. or go on-line at www.mylesmiraclemission.ca.
The deadline for entrants is Sept. 30.
PSA tests attract a crowd;
More than 250 local men take advantage of free test
ELLWOOD SHREVE
Local News - Thursday, June 21, 2007 @ 09:00
Asking men over the age of 40 to wait in line to get a needle is not an activity many would expect to draw a large crowd.
So when more than 250 area men showed for free PSA (prostate specific antigen) testing clinic Wednesday afternoon at the Shopper's Drug Mart on St. Clair Street in Chatham, organizers were blown away.
A large line of men, which extended part way up an aisle and across the width of the store, waited patiently to have the blood test done.
"People starting lining up at 12:30 p.m., we couldn't believe it," said Susan McLellan, of Myles' Miracle Mission CANcer Wellness Centre, a sponsor of the event.
"We had expected about 50-75 people," added Wayne McLellan, also with the wellness centre, named in honour of their son Myles, a cancer victim.
In fact, organizers had to turn about 50 people away, because they ran out of supplies and time to run the clinic.
"We're really sorry," Susan McLellan told one man who showed after 3:30 p.m. to get tested. She added the public will be notified when another clinic is scheduled.
Wayne McLellan said the response shows, "people are concerned about (prostate cancer.)"
The McLellans are happy some money people have donated to the Myles' Miracle Mission - CANcer Wellness Centre can be used to give something back to the community.
"I do it regularly, every year," said Jack Herder, 66, after giving a blood sample.
He came to the clinic because it's free, but believes it should be covered.
"We're not as vocal as women are on having mammograms (paid for)," he said.
The Chatham resident said he began getting the test about six years ago after his brother Andy had the disease.
So far, so good, he said, adding, "I feel great."
Ridgetown-area resident Wally Galbraith took a few hours off work to attend the clinic.
Although he has no family history of the prostate cancer, the 60-year-old believes in being proactive.
"It's better to be ahead of it, rather than wait for it to happen," Galbraith said.
"I've never been tested," said Dan Hernandez, 65, who also doesn't have any family history of the disease.
The fact that men over the age of 50 are at a higher risk for the disease prompted him to come for the testing, said the Chatham resident.
Gamma-Dynacare Medical Laboratories technicians were taking the blood work, which Dr. Brian Gamble has offered to screen. If something in the test shows the possibility of prostate cancer, the person will be contacted by Bayshore Home Health.
If some gets a call about their test, it doesn't mean there's a positive result, just that the person should see their doctor for further testing, said Carol Markham, area director for Bayshore Home Health.
"This is an extremely treatable disease if caught early," she said. Prostate cancer survivor Peter Roos can attest to that.
His first PSA test in 2000 showed he had "cells that were a precursor of prostate cancer," he said.
Although still not diagnosed with the disease, Roos joined a research study in 2003 in London.
"I realized if we're going to find a cure, we need people to do things like get involved in doing research," Roos said.
He was diagnosed with prostrate cancer last summer. He had surgery to remove his prostate, but still gets PSA testing done.
Roos, who roamed the long lineup of men waiting for the test, said the most often asked question of him was: What were the symptoms.
"I didn't have any," he said. "That's why PSA testing is so important."
Tests for prostate cancer offered Wednesday
HEATHER TRAVIS / Special to The Daily News
Region - Tuesday, June 19, 2007 @ 09:00
Free PSA tests, which indicate signs of prostate cancer, will be offered for men over the age of 40 on Wednesday.
The prostate specific antigen test (or PSA) shows if a patient has elevated levels of a particular protein associated with prostrate cancer. The simple blood test is not covered by OHIP, unless the test is requested by a doctor.
Men with a history of prostate cancer cannot walk into a lab and ask for a test without a doctor's referral, said Susan McLellan, executive director of Myles' Miracle Mission, which is sponsoring the free clinic at Shopper's Drug Mart on St.Clair Street in Chatham.
However, McLellan suggests men within the at-risk age bracket begin routine preventative testing. The test typically costs $35, plus laboratory fees. Chatham resident Peter Roos, a prostate cancer survivor, said early detection is the key to increasing the chance for survival. "I think it is very important for men over 40 to take this kind of test," said Roos. "It certainly helped me."
Although Roos had his first PSA test seven years ago, it wasn't until the summer of 2006 that prostate cancer was detected. In January 2007 Roos underwent surgery to have his prostate removed.
"If a man doesn't have a family doctor, he might not be encouraged to get testing," said Roos. He also says women should encourage their husbands to take the test.
According to the Canadian Cancer statistics, more than 22,000 new cases of prostate cancer will be diagnosed in Canadian men this year. Of that number, approximately 4,300 Canadian men will die of the disease. Roos plans to start a support group for prostate cancer survivors this fall at the Cancer Wellness Centre.
The clinic will operate between 1-4 p.m.
Participants in the clinic will receive a phone call with their test results. Although OHIP is not covering the cost of the testing, walk-in participants must bring their OHIP card to the clinic.
If you have any questions, contact McLellan at 351-4811.
Cancer Chatter Matters benefits from McHappy Day
By John Gardiner
May 15, 2007
McDonalds Restaurants in Chatham and Wallaceburg celebrated McHappy Day last Wednesday and Myles Miracle Mission Cancer Chatter Matters was the benficiary of the big day. Cancer Chatter Matters is the latest initiative of Myels' Miracle Mission and is aimed at helping elementary school children better understand and cope with cancer when it strikes either them or someone close to them. Cancer Chatter Matters is a school-based program that will start in 48 schools across Lambton-Kent this fall. "No one's educating the kids," said Susan McLellan, mother of Myles McLellan, and spiritual leader of Myles' Miracle mission. "It scares them when there's a cancer diagnosis – they need to know it's not a death sentence."
Read more...
Centre is contact point for Cottage Dreams program
By Brian Cleeve
May 2, 2007
Of all the treatments Myles McLellan received for his brain cancer, the most pleasant was at a cottage in Muskoka. Myles, his mother Susan and father Wayne, were the first people to get a free week at a cottage in 2003, thanks to the Cottage Dreams programs.
Read more...
Brace yourselves: CEO
By Karen Robinet
May 2, 2007
If the experience in London is anything to go by, the Myles Miracle Mission CANcer Assist Wellness Centre can plan on being very busy. Shelly Markland, executive director of the Wellspring London & Region cancer centre spoke to a large group of volunteers at the Wheels Inn Thursday night about the escalating need for centres which provide non-medical support services for those battling cancer, and their families.
Read more...
The house that love built
Wellness centre dedicated on what would have been Myles’ 14th birthday
By Brian Cleeve
Wednesday February 14, 2007
It’s the house that Myles built.
The Myles Miracle Mission Cancer Assist Wellness Centre was dedicated last Friday in memory of Myles McLellan, who would have been 14.
Myles died last year after a battle with brain cancer. In his 13 years, he helped raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for cancer research and touched the hearts of people in Chatham-Kent and elsewhere.
The centre, located at 150 Victoria Ave., will be a haven for those people fighting against cancer. Among its proposed uses are one-on-one therapy, family group sessions, a resource centre for material, art therapy and journals.
The house is not yet finished, it’s expected to be ready in mid-April. There are some zoning issues to be cleared up, but organizers of the mission say they are confident that those can be handled.
On one wall of the house leading up stairs is a mural of oil paintings showing Myles and other children who have died of cancer. Italian artist Gianfranco Avignoni was on hand at the dedication.
Outside the house, Myles’ mother Susan McLellan released 13 balloons, symbolic of the 13 years of her son’s life.
Myles’ father Wayne McLellan said the community owns the house.
“This is something he would have wanted.”
Calling the facility “the house that love built,” Wayne McLellan said it’s a place for people facing “insurmountable problems.”
“It will be a place of compassion and knowledge, a place where fears can be allayed.”
Chatham-Kent-Essex MPP Pat Hoy brought a letter from Premier Dalton McGuinty that read “Myles left a legacy that will make a difference.”
Vince Caportorto of Cambridge who owns a number of properties in Chatham, has donated the house.
“I can’t think of a better use for the house.”
TV personality Bob Izumi, a fishing buddy of Myles and a family friend said: “We shared a lot of laughs on our fishing trips.”
“Myles was a great kid and I’m honoured to be here.”
A magical evening
ROSE SOMR / For The Daily News
Local News - Friday, April 27, 2007 @ 09:00
They were modeling for Myles' Miracle Mission.
The Chatham-Kent office of Bayshore Home Health organized a "Magical Evening for Myles," a fashion show fundraiser benefiting the new CANcer Assist Wellness Centre on Victoria Avenue.
Organizer Carol Markham, who is the area director of the Bayshore office, said they expected 110 guests to the show, held at Retro Suites on King Street.
"We expect to raise $6,000," Markham said.
Bayshore's national office gave local staff the choice of which local charity to support, Markham said. They chose the wellness centre, because, "it provides emotional and spiritual support to people with cancer and their families," she said.
One of the guests at the show, Cathy Underwood, said this cause is important to everyone.
"Anything we can do with that cause, everyone should help, because you never know when it's going to happen to you or someone you love," she said.
She also thinks the wellness centre is "great."
"If someone can stay at home longer, that's a great thing. My grandmother had someone to take care of her if she needed something."
The fashion show featured 11 models wearing clothing provided by Serena's Ladies Wear in Blenheim.
Chatham girl helping to keep Myles' memory alive
Breanne Sullivan is keeping her promise. The 13-year-old ambassador for the Myles Miracle Mission CANcer Assist program said she promised Myles McLellan she would keep his memory alive through his foundation. And the Chatham girl is doing just that through the sale of bracelets.
“I thought it was a fun way to do it (fundraise),” she said yesterday of the rainbow coloured bracelet’s that are inscribed “MMM CANCER ASSIST” on one side and “I BELIEVE” on the other.
more...
Renewed Strength
The first group of seven to participate in the "Renewed Strength" Cancer Rehabilitation Specialist workshop this past weekend.
Sandra Maltby-Mills from Let's Get Fit, Dresden; Sue Wammes Blenheim;Cam Davies, Jordy Bettridge, Laurie Pearson from Ironworks Sarnia; Allison Shaw, Colleen Nevills from Competitive Edge Chatham-Kent. Facilitator: Dee Miller. The workshop was sponsored by Myles' Miracle Mission-CANcer Assist and the Wheels Inn. Those wishing to get in on the next workshop can leave their name at 351-4811.
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Myles in Movies
Myles is an 11-year-old Chatham boy who was diagnosed with edulloblastoma more than two years ago. Medulloblastoma is a malignant brain tumour, one that moves quickly and offers little hope of recovery. He has been through surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. The cancer and subsequent treatments have taken from him simple things that other children take for granted: hair, hearing, balance, and tragically, friends. Through these trials, Myles has maintained an amazing attitude, and has found the power to speak out about his experience and has become a champion for the fight against cancer.
Cancer charity gets a lift
At 16, Matt Gorecki was the youngest competitor at the Lift for Life challenge at Competitive Edge last Friday.
While participants at Competitive Edge were lifting weight last Friday, they were also raising money for Myles Miracle Mission CANcer Assist.
At least $5,000 was raised while thousands of pounds were lifted.
Co-ordinator Rick Paxton has been holding the contest for the last three years. Last year, the event was held in honour of his late father.
Student honoured; Myles McLellan 'Soaring for Miracles' award presented to Michelle Nolan
Tears rolled down the cheeks of an 86-year-old grandmother Monday as
her granddaughter was presented with a memorial award at Our Lady of
Fatima Catholic School.
Michelle Nolan, 13, a Grade 7 student, is the first recipient of the
Myles McLellan "Soaring for Miracles'' award.
"I'm very proud to have been selected for the award,'' said Michelle.
"Myles was a good friend and did a lot to help others.''
The teenager's mother, Collette, said the announcement left her
"speechless.
Bob Boughner
Chatham-Kent
Myles offered a great role model for Rotarian
Dear editor:
The Rotary Club is an international service club with about 33,000 clubs in 168 countries and has 1.2 million members.
Chatham-Kent has seven clubs.
On Feb. 23, 2005, Rotary International celebrated its 100th anniversary.
In 1910, Rotary adopted the motto, “Service Above Self.”
As I have been following the remarkable life of Myles McLellan, it struck me that who in this world better epitomized “Service Above Self” than Myles?
Every Rotarian in the world, if told about this young boy’s courage and action in the face of adversity, would be deeply moved, as I am, and inspired to dedicate the balance of my life to Service Above Self to the very best of my ability.
William Magee
Chatham
Hero - to Hero Calendar
A calendar featuring photos of local young cancer victims and members of the Chatham-Kent Fire Service is available for sale to raise money to send families to camp.
The calendar, called Hero to Hero, is expected to net about $7,000 for Camp Trillium, which operates two facilities in Ontario where young cancer victims can go on vacation with their families and receive treatment while they’re having fun.
Myles’ Miracle Mission-CANcer Assist, is undertaking a number of projects in the New Year that will bring awareness and financial relief to local families facing a cancer diagnosis.
Girl, 9, pockets prize in Myles cookie contest
Buying three cookies with her own pocket money bought a winning ticket for nine year-old Chatham girl, Hope Corrente is the winner of neck-lace and earring set, donated by affinity Distinctive Jewelers, for the cookie drive held for Myles McLellan in February.
Read more...Kids informed about cancer |
November 16, 2005 By Emily Paige / Chatham This Week
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Myles’ story entered in A&E biography contest |
November 09, 2005 By Brian Cleevep / Chatham This Week
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Study find pollutants in Canadian blood samples |
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Calendar published to send young cancer patients to camp |
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Mapping program gets praise |
August 24, 2005 By John Miner Special / Chatham This Week |
Lift contest raises $6,000 |
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Chatham boy the subject of film documentary |
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Through the Window |
April 01, 2005 From www.arcinstitute.ca |
Chatham boy among nine Canadians awarded |
March 02, 2005 By Peter Epp - Special / Chatham This Week |
Domi gives boys memory of a lifetime |
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Mom makes plea for support of research into child cancers |
September 29, 2004 By Peter Epp - Special / Chatham This Week |
Fatima students recognized for contribution to Cancer Society |
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Holly and Myles are Jr. Citizens of the Year |
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Myles hoping to lead fund raisers in Relay For Life |
June 03, 2003 By Peter Epp - Special / Chatham This Week |
10-year-old cancer fighter on a miracle mission |
June 03, 2003 Ontario Division of the Canadian Cancer Society |
November 09, 2005 
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December 08, 2004 
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January 21 , 2004