Oct 12th 2004
Us-Too! Brampton General Meeting

"Survivor's Night"

Our "Survivor's Night" was attended by around 60 members, wives and guests.
You can call it 'Group Therapy' for that was what it really was!
In the true spirit of caring, sharing and camaraderie, several
members of our support group shared their experiences.

First to speak was Morris Rambout, who was followed by Jim Dorsey.
Both Jim and Morris have been with us for many years and are well respected
active members of this chapter. Each man recalled and shared his emotions
and fears during the dark days following the initial diagnosis and described
how our support group helped him maintain his sanity and return to a
semblance of normal life (if there is ever such a thing!).

Chairman Fred Norris then opened up the floor to the group and many
members willingly came forth with their stories. Amongst the speaking
members were Ken Gurnsey, Murray Laidlaw, Barbara Chamberlain
(who spoke movingly on behalf of her husband John), Bob Vandrish
and a visiting guest, Gavin Watt. All of our esteemed speakers openly
shared their experiences, often traumatic, their emotions, the challenges
they faced and how they coped. A variety of treatment were covered
from individual perspectives.

The session was very well received as evidenced by the audience's enthusiastic
response to the evening. The event was enjoyed immensely by all and any
newly diagnosed members who might have been in the audience would
surely have benefited from its encouraging content. The evening was a shining
example of 'Sharing and Caring' - the support group living up to its role in every
sense. Several members requested that we repeat this event on a regular basis.
Unfortunately, this stimulating evening was not recorded for posterity.
We will ensure that all all such future sessions are recorded.