A time for Celebration

Health & Fitness

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Back (L) Deanna Tremblay, Brian Reich & Linda Leach; Centre are Louis & Judy Gareau; Front are Hannah, mother Karrie & Kourtney Reich

July 9 is a time of celebration for the Gareau family of Southampton ... but 2010 is special.

This is the 10 year anniversary for Judy Gareau as a 'cancer survivor'.  "It was 10 years ago in July that I was diagnosed," says Gareau, "and it happened very quickly as I had  my surgery only weeks later, on August 4th."

Not only is it Gareau's 10 year survivor anniversary, but July 9 is also her 50th wedding anniversary.  "We were trying to figure out what we would do for our anniversary and had the usual things in mind like a dinner at a restaurant with the whole family," says Gareau.  "Then I saw an ad for the Relay for Life and it hit me.  Why not celebrate my 10 years and our 50 years at the same time and walk the Relay for Life.  I talked to my husband, Louis, and he was all for it."

Gareau called her two sisters, Linda Leach, who lives in Michigan and who had been Gareau's Junior Bridesmaid 50 years ago, and Deanna Tremblay, who lives in Manitoba and who had been her Maid of Honour.  Gareau told them of her plan to complete the walk as a survivor and neither sister hesitated saying that they would join her on the walk.

Tremblay immediately booked a flight from Manitoba and Leach embarked on the 12-hour drive from her home in Michigan, the first time she had ever made the drive by herself and also missing her own 21st wedding anniversary.

The Relay for Life that takes place July 9 into tomorrow July 10 at the local high school, Saugeen District Secondary School in Port, will feature other stories like Gareau, each unique in their message and each one inspiring.

This year, the entire Gareau family will take part in the walk.  Judy Gareau has been canvassing her neighbourhood for sponsorship and her daughter, Kerrie Reich, has also been fundraising.  They don't have a final dollar figure of what they have raised but the important thing is ... the whole family will be walking together in celebration.

Everyone is welcome to take part in the Relay for Life, whether as a survivor or as someone who has been touched by cancer in family or friends.  The night is filled with entertainment, fun and poignant memories. 

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Thursday, July 08, 2010