CORNWALL, Ontario – Like all parents who have been through a tragedy, Chris Munro can remember – sometimes with specific clarity – the trials of having a child with cancer.
And the smiles.
Her little daughter Amy Seguin, just six years old, passed away nearly 20 years ago following a valiant battle with leukemia.
She said the inner strength her daughter, and other childhood cancer patients, can find when the adults seem to be weighed down with grief, is amazing.
“I can remember when she was first diagnosed…I was talking to a woman at the hospital,” she said. “And this little boy goes whizzing by, and she was like ‘Yup, that’s my boy.'”
It was much the same for Amy, who would come home from a chemotherapy treatment and still find the strength to zip around the yard, stop to be sick, and then continue playing.
“The kids are so resilient. They take everything so much better than the adults.,” she said.
Munro has been named the honourary chair of the 2016 Masquer-Aid fundraiser to benefit Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Support Programs.
She said giving back to an agency that has helped young people and families in throws of a cancer diagnosis, and treatment, is important.
“I always knew I wanted to do something,” she said. “It’s a great honour.”
This year Masquer-Aid will be held Saturday, April 9 at the Ramada Inn, Cornwall, Simon Fraser Ballroom.
The evening includes a cocktail hour with music by Bob Cote, dinner and dance with music provided by 5 Guys and a Box as well as silent and live auctions.
Cancer is the second leading cause of death in Ontario children, with approximately 400 children diagnosed with cancer in this province every year.
More than one child per week will be diagnosed in this region.
“You go into flight mode first, before going into fight mode,” said Munro, who said she and he family were rocked by Amy’s diagnosis, before rallying with the support of local residents. “You learn how to live with cancer. It becomes your new normal.”
Candlelighters, established in 1988, provides programs and services for young cancer patients being treated in eastern Ontario, and to the families they depend on, for strength and support. Through various programs, they provide financial assistance to the families in the form of parking, gasoline, assistance with groceries, bursaries, etc.
For more tickets information contact 613-330-2928, or email cheenan1@cogeco.ca.
