Leap Summer 2011

EACH ONE, TEACH ONE POP A WHEELIE
DR. SCOTT NORTH’S BIKE COMMUTING

CANCER SCHOOL + 5 GREAT REC TRAILS
t SUMMER 2011
er-free movemen
into Alberta’s canc
Cancer patients take a

leap with Mike Lang
FERTILE
GROUND
When family plans and
treatment plans collide
SALARY
INTERRUPTED
Loans, mortgages and the cost of cancer
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“For those facing cancer today,
in honour of those lost to cancer,
and for generations to come,
we promise progress.“
Join us. Donate today. o r c y c l e Ride

Mot
myleapmagazine.ca for Dad
CONTENTS SUMMER 2011 • VOL 2 • No. 1
ON THE COVER: Mike Lang, PHOTO: Brittany Merrifield
SUMMER SPOTLIGHT
CANCER: Young Adults Overcome
22
26
DEPARTMENTS 16 PLANNING FAMILY

There are options for young families facing
4 OUR LEAP infertility after cancer
A message from the Alberta Cancer Foundation
19 ALL BY MYSELF
6 FOREFRONT A cancer diagnosis can isolate young adults,
Davis Weisner’s gift; Fly fishing getaway; dramatically changing their relationships
Melanoma warning; Top 10 list; Into the pink;
36 Concerts for a cure; Pigeon Lake ride; Miles for 22 SALARY INTERRUPTED
myeloma, Summer recipe Cancer doesn’t care if you have bills to pay
12 BODYMIND 24 NO PITY PARTY

When sadness is more than just the blues A life-altering diagnosis gave Alyson Woloshyn’s
life a new focus
13 SMART EATS
Power up with local summer produce 26 MIKE LANG’S EXCELLENT
ADVENTURE
14 ASK THE EXPERTS Some people aim to get through cancer and back
Do I need to take a Vitamin D supplement in the to their lives. For others, life charts a new course
summer? PLUS: A question about Tamoxifen
and heart disease
32 FEATURES
31 CORPORATE GIVING
Why Enbridge gives and rides to conquer cancer 32 SUMMER SIZZLERS
Tips for family fun activities around Alberta
50 MY LEAP
Dyllan Duperron runs and runs to raise funds 36 RESEARCH ROCKSTAR
Scott North’s empathetic and innovative teaching
style inspires medical students
39 TREAT THE WHOLE PATIENT

A better outlook for cancer patients with clinical
depression
50 16
42 TOP JOB
Hit the gym with trainer and researcher Lisa Belanger
45 WHEEL LIFE
On your bike! Practical advice for two-wheeled
commuters
48 WHY I DONATE
ION Print Solutions sets up a research fund
42 that matches donations up to $50K
Alber ta’s cancer-free movement summer 2011 3

message / ALBERTA CANCER FOUNDATION
From Stories
Comes Wisdom
“Facts bring us to knowledge, but stories lead us to wisdom.” Dr. Rachel
Naomi Remen, an American specialist in the mind/body health field
inspired Mike Lang with these words. And as you can see by Mike’s story
(page 26), once inspired, no challenge is too much for him.
While Mike introduced us to these words, they might just have easily
inspired Leap magazine. Leap is designed to take you past the numbers to
TRUSTEES the lives behind the cancer statistics.
This issue focuses on the lives of young adults, like Mike, who unex-
Leslie Beard, pectedly face cancer. Cancer occurs less often in young adults, but because
Edmonton they’re not expected to have cancer, a diagnosis is often missed at the
early stages. Once they are diagnosed, young adults may be balancing
Angela Boehm, cancer treatment at the same time they are
Calgary launching careers and marriages and struggling
Every story of facing cancer with student loans and new mortgages.
Greg Cameron, gets to the heart of what it is Their responses to these challenges are inspir-
Edmonton to be human. It threatens what ing. Alyson Woloshyn lives with brain cancer and
is most precious to us. is challenging herself to raise $35,000 for
Heather Culbert, the Alberta Cancer Foundation by her 35th birth-
Calgary day. She is also one of our finest ambassadors,
telling donors more compellingly than we ever could how much their
Steven Dyck, dollars mean.
Lethbridge And for the first time in Leap, two Alberta Cancer Foundation staffers,
Christy Soholt (page 17) and Darren Neuberger (page 22) share their sto-
Tony Fields, ries of facing cancer. Their experiences inspired them to put their talents
Edmonton to work full-time to drive progress towards a cancer-free future and we are
privileged to have them on board. Every story of facing cancer gets to the
Dianne Kipnes, heart of what it is to be human. It threatens what is most precious to us.
Edmonton As we head into our busy summer fundraising season we will keep
these stories and so many others in our hearts. This summer will see hun-
John J. McDonald, dreds of Albertans launch their own fundraising events for the Alberta
Edmonton Cancer Foundation. And thousands will walk or run in the Underwear
Affairs in Edmonton or Calgary, walk 30 or 60 kilometres in the Shoppers
Brent Saik, Drug Mart Weekend to End Women’s Cancers, or ride 200 kilometres
Sherwood Park along the Rockies in the Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer.
Thousands of Albertans will participate in Alberta’s cancer-free move-
Prem Singhmar, ment and stand with those who have no choice but to stand up to cancer.
Sherwood Park I hope you will join us.
Heather Watt,
Edmonton
John Osler, Chair
Vern Yu, Alberta Cancer Foundation
Calgary
ERRATA: In “An Uncommon Man,” a story in the spring 2011 issue of Leap, we listed an
out-of-date title for Edie Pituskin, who is currently a PhD Candidate in the Faculty of
Rehabilitation Medicine at the University of Alberta. In the same story we used the term
“invasive duct lymphoma,” where we should have written “invasive duct carcinoma.” We
regret the errors.
4 summer 2011 myleapmagazine.ca

SUMMER VOL 2 • No. 1
ALBERTA CANCER FOUNDATION

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF AND PUBLISHER: LEE ELLIOTT
ASSOCIATE EDITOR: PHOEBE DEY
EDITORIAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE

DR. TONY FIELDS
Vice-President, Cancer Care
Alberta Health Services
DR. HEATHER BRYANT
Vice-President, Cancer Control
Canadian Partnership Against Cancer
DR. STEVE ROBBINS
Director, Southern Alberta Cancer Research Institute
Associate Director, Research, Alberta Health Services,
Cancer Care
CHRISTINE MCIVER
CEO, Kids Cancer Care Foundation of Alberta
VENTURE PUBLISHING INC.

PUBLISHER: RUTH KELLY
ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER: JOYCE BYRNE
EDITOR: MIFI PURVIS
ART DIRECTOR: CHARLES BURKE
ASSOCIATE ART DIRECTOR: COLIN SPENCE
PRODUCTION MANAGER: VANLEE ROBBLEE
PRODUCTION COORDINATOR: BETTY-LOU SMITH
DISTRIBUTION: NICK JAMISON
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Linda Carlson, Caitlin Crawshaw,

Katherine Fawcett, Annalise Klingbeil, Cailynn Klingbeil,
Lindsey Norris, Mifi Purvis, Tricia Radison, Robin Schroffel, The Alberta Cancer Foundation
Karol Sekulic, Tamara Stecyk, Debbie Olsen, Cait Wills
is more than a charity—it’s a
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS AND ILLUSTRATORS:
Buffy Goodman, Brittany Merrifield, Heff O’Reilly, movement for cancer-free lives,
Aaron Pederson - 3TEN, Kelly Redinger, Raymond Reid,
today, tomorrow and forever.
ABOUT THE ALBERTA CANCER FOUNDATION
The Alberta Cancer Foundation is Alberta’s own, established It’s a movement of those who know a cancer-free
to advance cancer research, prevention and care and serve future is possible and who won’t settle for “some day.”
as the charitable foundation for the Cross Cancer Institute,
Tom Baker Cancer Centre and Alberta’s 15 other cancer centres. It’s a movement of Albertans who stand with those
At the Alberta Cancer Foundation, we believe a cancer-free future who have no choice but to stand up to cancer.
is possible. When we get there depends on the focus and energy
we put to it today.
It’s a movement of those who know something
can be done and are willing to do it.
For those facing cancer today, in honour of those

lost to cancer, and for generations to come,
Leap is published for the Alberta Cancer Foundation by we promise progress.
Venture Publishing Inc., 10259-105 Street, Edmonton, AB T5J 1E3
Tel: 780-990-0839, Fax: 780-425-4921, Toll-free: 1-866-227-4276
circulation@venturepublishing.ca
The information in this publication is not meant to be a substitute for professional

medical advice. Always seek advice from your physician or other qualified health
provider regarding any medical condition or treatment.
Printed in Canada by Transcontinental LGM.

Leap is printed on Forest Stewarship Council ® certified paper
Publications Agreement #40020055
ISSN #1923-6131
Content may not be reprinted or reproduced without permission from Alberta Cancer Foundation.
w w w. a l b e r t a c a n c e r. c a
Alber ta’s cancer-free movement

000LP.Manifest_1-2V_nBL.indd 1
summer 2011 5
6/21/10 2:13:29 PM
forefront / PREVENT, TREAT, CURE BY MIFI PURVIS AND ROBIN SCHROFFEL
Giving Back
On March 8, 2006 then-10-year-old Davis Weisner
was diagnosed with neuroblastoma, tumour of the nerve
tissues, that had spread to his bone marrow. Five years
later, including 17 months of remission, he died of the dis-
ease. He made the time in between really matter.
“Davis was a quiet kid,” says his mom, Janine
Weisner. “He didn’t have a lot of words.” Yet he rose to
many challenges in his life. He spoke in front of groups
at school and in the community. He joined the teen
leadership group of the Kids Cancer Care Foundation PERFECT PAIR: Davis, left, knew his
of Alberta. And once, he notably overcame his shyness, sister Jessie, right, would carry the flame.
says Janine “and stood up in front of all of Canada to
drop the puck in an Oilers-Flames game.”
For the KCCFA, he raised more than $2,000 by himself
Come Fly
(plus much more as part of his membership in the group)
towards a trip to Mexico. The teen leadership group was to
travel with the Rotary Club to help build houses there for
With Me
low-income families. Davis was thrilled to be a part of it.
Then, late last year, his health took a turn. By spring it was
clear he would be unable to travel with his group.
“His biggest worry was that there would be two less
hands to help out,” says Janine. Very sick, he still went
in person to the last trip meeting to turn his money in – Picture the fluid grace of a perfectly cast fly, and the gently plunk of it
it was that important to him. With a week left before landing in the water. It’s more about putting yourself on that sunny stream
the trip, Davis and his mom arrived at a great way to bed in quiet companionship than it is about catching fish. Isn’t it time you
salvage the situation: Davis’ little sister Jessie would go had a weekend away?
in his place. “She went as his representative, not his Let’s face it, book club retreats aren’t for everyone. Since 1997, Casting for
replacement,” says Janine. Davis Skyped every night Life has been providing women recovering from breast cancer with the
with his 13-year-old sister and the rest of the group, opportunity to learn fly fishing and fly tying on a three-day retreat. It’s a sweet
who made a photo album of the trip for him. “They did weekend away from it all, not to mention the potential for rehab benefits –
everything they could to include him,” says Janine. with breast cancer treatment, some women lose mobility and experience
Davis Weisner died not long after his sister returned arm pain and swelling that can be improved with gentle exercise.
from Mexico. Next year, Jessie plans to apply to make If you are a breast cancer survivor whose treatment has been completed for six
the trip again, this time in his memory. or more months, and you haven’t previously attended Casting for Life, consider
joining the group at Ghost River Conference Centre, an hour west of Calgary,
Time for
from July 22 to 24 this summer. For more information, visit castingforlife.com.
Sunshine
Check out “Dear 16-year-old me”
on YouTube. It’s a moving, short
video comprising testimonials
from young people touched by
melanoma. Forward it to the sun-
loving teenager in your life.

Top 10 Things
to Know About Into the Pink
Cancer in
Young People
Cancer in young adults is not the same thing as
you’d find in an older population. Even when it’s
technically the same disease, it can behave differ-
ently in a young adult. Here are 10 things you
should know about cancer in the under-40 set.
NOT BUDGING: Cancer survival rates have

improved in every age group except the 15-to-40
group, rates of which have not improved since the
1970s. The good news: These troubling stats are
generating fresh research.
LATER LOOK: Detection often happens later.

Young people are seen to be in the prime of life
and can discount symptoms or attribute them to
other things, such as sports injuries.
TRIAL & ERROR: Clinical trials sometimes don’t “I was treated for breast cancer ning towns can charge what they
include adolescents and few young adults join. in 2006,” says Wild Pink Yonder want, enjoy the party and direct the
organizer Jane Hurl. “In 2005 my funds where they want.”
ISOLATION: Young people with cancer can be step-daughter died of breast can- Visit wildpinkyonder.com or
isolated in ways that older adults are not. Their cer, so you could say we have a call 780-363-0003 to find out
peers may not have the frame of reference and double mad-on for it.” this year’s route, where you can
life experience to help them support a sick friend It gave her a mad idea, anyway. see the riders (all of whom are
or ask for support if they are the patients WPY is a 22-day trail ride to raise pinkified, along with some of the
themselves. money for the Alberta Cancer horses) and make a pledge.
Foundation in support of breast can-
DIFFERENT ANIMAL: Cancer may behave differ- cer research. The route is different
ently, and respond differently to standard treat- every year, and she and her son Rusty
ment in a young adult than in a child or older adult. (“our only paid employee”) challenge
Further study is needed. towns along the route to
“pinkify.” The process of
RESOURCE DEARTH: Other challenges for pinkification involves deco-
young people are a lack of money and the health- rating the town as imagina-
care benefits plans that older adults might enjoy. tively as possible in any
colour, so long as it’s pink,
FERTILITY FINDINGS: Cancer treatment can and to raise money for the
mean a loss of fertility. cause.
“Last year the winner
KILLER: Cancer causes more deaths than other was Trochu,” Hurl says.
diseases for people between 20 and 39. “They raised more than $27,000,
with a population of 11,000.” The
LATE EFFECTS: Treatment can save a young per- winner of the Pinkest Town in the
son’s life, but can cause damage to the heart and West, Trochu earned bragging
other organs, causing illness later. rights, a beautiful highway road
sign declaring their pinkness to all
FIGURE 8: Eight times as many people between 15 who pass by, and a free concert.
and 40 get cancer as do people under age 15. “We provide the band and the win-

Hear This
Andrew Abel’s brother Michael was on a mission
in Seattle with his church when he got sick. Leukemia
eventually took his life but not before it inspired
Andrew to raise money in his brother’s honour. Here’s
what he had to say.
What was Michael like? that I shouldn’t. Last year I held two concerts and
He was smart, funny and kind, and very musical. He raised nearly $1,500 for the Alberta Cancer
was into electronic music and was really creative with Foundation. My sister is also a musician, she plays
incorporating different and unexpected sounds and piano and sings, and she participated. We both
clips into his music. He looked at things differently – made CDs and sold them at the concerts with the
he was really cool. proceeds going to the Alberta Cancer Foundation.
Was he older than you? Your employer at the time chipped in.
Yes, I’m 20 and Michael was 25 when he died earlier Yeah, I worked at Chapters and that’s where the
this year. After he came home from Seattle he was concerts were held, at the west end and south side
treated and went into remission for two years. Then, Edmonton locations. The staff there also hosted
when his cancer came back, our sister Danielle bake sales at the same time and those proceeds
donated bone marrow for a transplant. went to the Alberta Cancer Foundation, too.
You decided to raise money through music. LISTEN: Andrew stopped by the Alberta Cancer
Yes, I’m a singer/songwriter. I figured I had something Foundation office to play a tune. Check it:
to give that people appreciate and there was no reason youtube.com/watch?v=ZvfH74yMnHM
First Person: Pigeon Lake Pedal

My brother, Taylor Pedersen, was diagnosed The ride is on July 2 this year. There’s more informa-
with Ewing’s Sarcoma when he was 17. It’s a tion and opportunities to enter or sponsor riders at
cancer that affects mainly young people and it pigeonlakepedal.com.
strikes the nerves, muscles, cartilage, joints, Taylor is 23 now and his health is good. Right now he’s
blood vessels, bone and soft tissues. His expe- working as a summer student in a lab at Massachusetts
rience inspired our family to try to do some- Hospital in Harvard and he’s going to Norway on an
thing to raise money towards sarcoma research. exchange next year. He plans to be a doctor.
Sarcomas are called “the forgotten cancers.” – Karin Pedersen
They receive little notoriety or funding. We
wanted to change that.
We started the Pigeon Lake Pedal seven years
ago. It’s a 60-kilometre ride that starts at Pigeon
Lake Provincial Park. There’s also a 20-kilometre
route and a walking route available. This year we
plan to direct funds towards buying two CT/PET
scanners. Not sarcoma-specific, they can detect
many cancers at early stages. We generally raise
close to $50,000 a year and, to date we’ve raised
more than a quarter of a million dollars.

Miles for Myeloma
“Myeloma is a cancer of the blood,” says George ago, the lifespan for myeloma patients was
Campsall. “It affects the immune system, the plasma considered to be three to four years,” he says.
cells specifically.” Campsall should know. He has “Now it’s eight or 10 years.” He hopes to see
been living with the disease for two-and-a-half years. progress continue to the point that it becomes a
As members of the Myeloma Alberta Support chronic, manageable disease. “But we’re not there
Society, Campsall and fellow society member yet.” The society is a strong supporter of research.
Michael Chibuk are dedicated to providing George Campsall first heard about a
education about, and increasing awareness of fundraising run in Calgary called Multiple Miles
myeloma as well as advocating and providing for Myeloma. He and fellow society members
support for patients and supporting fundraising decided Edmonton needed a similar effort. The
initiatives. run is in its second year in Edmonton, reports
“The group had been supporting patients Campsall, and last year the event raised $43,000.
informally in Alberta for seven or eight years,” Proceeds go to the Alberta Cancer Foundation
says Chibuk. “Then, in 2008, we registered under for myeloma research in the province.
the Alberta Societies Act.” The group meets in Hosted by the Running Room, Miles for
Edmonton for a couple of hours every other month Myeloma is a five-kilometre fun run on July 23 in
and events can include presentations from guest Edmonton and July 30 in Calgary. Registration is
speakers, a patient-and-caregiver sharing session $20, so grab a pal, canvas desk-to-desk at the
and coffee and snacks. Support group committee office and join in. It’s a great way to set a modest
members are on hand to discuss society questions. fitness goal. Visit the Running Room online to
Myeloma is considered incurable. But Chibuk register. For more information about myeloma in
points out that research is improving treatments Alberta, visit myelomacomfort.com and
all the time. “When I was diagnosed a few years southernalbertamyeloma.org.
Give the gift

of a lifetime.
Fred Coles was a community builder and industry titan.
He was also a leader in building support for the Alberta
Cancer Foundation.
Fred died in May of 20 08, but his leadership continues.

Today, he’s training the next generation of cancer researchers
and doctors through a gift he left in his will.
Find out how you can promise
les
Fred Co
progress towards a cancer-free future,
please contact Derek Michael,
780 643 440 0, 1 866 412 4222
or email derek.michael@alberta
cancerfoundation.ca
albertacancer.ca
000LP.FredC_1-2H.indd 1 5/25/11 12:17:31 PM

Dig Into Summer’s Best
Made famous in the feature-length animated hit of the same name, ratatouille is a southern
TRY IT
TODAY
French dish that makes the most of delicious (and cancer-busting) summer veggies: garlic,
onion, zucchini, bell pepper, tomato and eggplant.
Ratatouille
1 Tbsp canola oil 1 zucchini
2 garlic cloves, minced 2 yellow crook-neck squash, sliced finely
1½ cup sodium-reduced tomato puree 1 red or orange bell pepper, sliced finely into rings
¼ tsp fennel seeds 1 small red onion, slivered
¼ tsp oregano 1 Tbsp canola oil
pinch hot pepper flakes ¼ tsp each: thyme, black pepper, coriander seeds
1 Japanese eggplant, sliced finely 1/3 cup shredded fresh basil
salt & pepper to taste
Directions
Preheat oven to 375 °F. Mix the first six ingredients together and pour into the bottom of a
shallow baking dish or rectangular casserole dish. The veggies should be sliced finely and
evenly. Arrange them in the dish, overlapping, alternating the slices, so they lie like tipped
dominoes. Work in the slivered onion amongst the slices. Mix the second tablespoon of oil
with the remaining dried and fresh herbs. Drizzle this mix over the veggies. Cover dish with
tin foil punctured in several places. Bake for approximately 30 minutes, remove the foil and
bake for about 15 more minutes. The vegetables be cooked but still holding their shape and
shouldn’t be soggy. Serve with a nice, grainy bread. Serves 6.
Pick up your free copy of My journey

coming this summer at centres
throughout the province
Tom Baker Cancer Centre:

• New patient information sessions
• Alberta Cancer Foundation office
Cross Cancer Institute:

• New patient registration
• Alberta Cancer Foundation office
For those facing • Cancer Information Centre
cancer today… Associate cancer centres:

• Grande Prairie Cancer Centre
Central Alberta Cancer Centre (Red Deer)
Make the health-care system easier to navigate •
• Medicine Hat Cancer Centre

by managing your cancer care in a patient journal
• Jack Ady Cancer Centre (Lethbridge)
from the Alberta Cancer Foundation.
The more information you can track and communicate with your care team,
the more they can ease your cancer journey.
000LP.LegacyForThose_1-2H.indd 1 5/24/11 4:30:45 PM

The Tomorrow
Project
Will You Lend a Hand?
just two hours of your time will help
researchers discover more about what
causes cancer and how to prevent it.
What is the Tomorrow Project?

The Tomorrow Project is a national research study devoted to
helping scientists find new ways of preventing and treating
cancer, and other diseases in the future. The Tomorrow Project
began in Alberta in 2001 as a local research study with funding
from Alberta Cancer Foundation, which continues to be a
major funding partner.
Who Can Join?

The Tomorrow Project aims to recruit 50,000 Albertans
(aged 35-69, who have never had cancer) by 2012.
Enroll in Alberta’s Tomorrow Project Now

Help researchers discover more about what causes cancer
and other long-term health conditions.
For more InFormaTIon or To joIn The sTudy

vIsIT: www.thetomorrowproject.org
and complete the on-line form
call: 1 877 919-9292
In Partnership With
bodymind / MAKING POSITIVE CONNECTIONS
A Deeper Blue
BY LINDA E. CARLSON
Cancer patients sometimes joke that this is the only

time in their lives when they truly have license to lie in
bed all day. Indeed, some days you may not be able to do
anything else; this is expected and you should be taking
it easy during intense treatments. But what if you find
yourself feeling down and out, with no energy, motivation
or interest in life months later? When is enough enough?
This is an important question, especially considering
that current research shows people with cancer who
suffer from clinical levels of depression consistently over So if you’re depressed, what can you do about it? First of all, don’t blame yourself
time also have shorter survival times. Research indicates or take on too much responsibility for your outcomes – this research suggests that
that depression is a risk factor for poorer outcomes across depression may be one factor in outcomes, but it’s not the only one. Cancer is very
many other types of cancer. complicated and issues such as genetics, environmental exposure and the nature and
Most recently, a study published in the Journal of spread of your illness needs to be taken into account as well.
Clinical Oncology lead by Dr. Janine Giese-Davis, a But this research tells us it’s important to treat your depression, both for your own
psychologist at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre, confirmed quality of life and potentially your quantity of life as well. The interesting thing about
this link. Women with metastatic breast cancer who had Dr. Giese-Davis’ study was that it didn’t matter how women decreased their levels of
decreasing levels of depression over a period of one year depression; what was important was just that they felt better a year after their diagnosis.
survived more than twice the time of women who had There are many options for treating depression. You can talk to a counsellor or
increasing levels of depression (54 months versus 25 psychiatrist (both the Tom Baker Cancer Centre and Cross Cancer Institute have many
months). This effect was found available at no charge), attend professionally-led support groups,
even taking into account other It’s important to treat talk to someone from your religious or spiritual community and
important medical information. your depression, both confide in your friends. Antidepressant medications in conjunction
So how do you know if you with talk therapy can also be helpful if you find yourself unable to
for your own quality of escape from depression’s hold. Physical exercise also helps to
are truly depressed or if it’s just a
normal reaction to an unwanted
life and potentially your boost moods, as does meditation and yoga.
life event? The diagnostic quantity of life as well. The key is not to force yourself to be cheerful if you don’t really
criteria for a depressive episode feel that way, but to find an avenue to work through your thoughts
include feeling sad for most of the day for at least a and feelings. Over time, depression’s hold will likely weaken. Seriously considering
two-week stretch, and/or loss of interest or pleasure in suicide is a medical emergency and means you should visit an emergency department
daily activities. These are often accompanied by other for immediate treatment.
symptoms such as insomnia (inability to sleep) or Natural reactions of sadness, grief and loss need not entrench themselves into a
hypersomnia (sleeping all the time), decreases in activity lasting depression. Support is available – the key is to reach out.
levels, fatigue or loss of energy, feelings of worthlessness
or excessive guilt, diminished ability to think or Dr. Linda Carlson is the Enbridge Chair in Psychosocial Oncology at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre, a
concentrate, and recurrent thoughts of death (not just professor and a clinical psychologist at the University of Calgary and co-author of Mindfulness-Based
fear of dying) or a plan for, or attempt at suicide. If these Cancer Recovery: A Mbsr Approach to Help You Cope With Treatment and Reclaim Your Life. Learn
symptoms persist for two months a major depressive more at lindacarlson.ca.
disorder can be diagnosed.
The problem with using these criteria for people with
cancer is that cancer and its treatments can also cause CONTACT: Find out about taking care of your mental health
many of the physical symptoms of depression such by calling the Department of Psychosocial Resources. In Calgary, call the
as fatigue, sleep problems and cognitive problems Tom Baker Cancer Centre at 403-355-3207. In Edmonton, try the Cross
(sometimes called “chemo-brain”), so it’s better to focus Cancer Institute at 780-643-4303. In other communities in the province,
on symptoms such as loss of interest, sad mood and call your local Community Cancer Centre.
thoughts of suicide.

cookingsmart / FOOD FOR LIFE
Home Plate
BY KAROL SEKULIC
Alberta’s vegetables are as delicious in their variety in planters or rent a community gar-
as they are in taste. Even the pickiest eaters will find some den plot.
veggie to love. And fruit? Well, fruit is nature’s treat. And
unlike other treats, Alberta fruit is as rich as veggies in What local vegetables and fruit
nutrients and antioxidants and can reduce the risk of should you eat to reduce the
certain cancers. High in water and fibre and generally lower risk of cancer?
in calories, produce can also help us manage our weight. The report Food, Nutrition and
Being at a healthy weight can help reduce cancer risk too. the Prevention of Cancer: A Global Green at heart
Make it easier and more fun to love your produce this Perspective specifies that non-starchy Power up your
summer by opting for the best Alberta’s farms and fields vegetables and fruit probably protect meals with these
have to offer. Read on for some ways to get some local against some cancers such as mouth, easy additions.
cancer-busting vegetables and fruit into your day – and pharyngeal, laryngeal, esophageal,
into you. stomach and colorectal. Examples GIVE A TOSS: Add a cup of green
of non-starchy vegetables that are beans to your meal, steamed first
Choose local produce commonly grown in Alberta include and tossed in a drizzle of sesame oil.
The local food movement isn’t new. Championed in the green leafy vegetables, tomatoes, FIELD FRESH: Choose a leafy green
book The 100-Mile Diet by Vancouver writers Alisa Smith beans, peas and bok choy. Potato, yam salad as a side dish.
and J.B. MacKinnon, local eating is easier now than it was and sweet potato are examples of
FAST FOOD: Take some crunchy
a decade ago. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency starchy vegetables. Keep in mind that vegetables, such as broccoli and
defines local food as grown or produced within 50 all vegetables, starchy or not, local or carrots, to work or to the movies for
kilometres of where it is sold. Fresh and tasty, it’s usually not, are still nutrient-rich. a snack.
easier on the environment, as it wasn’t shipped from For dessert, try some fresh blueber- CABBAGE PATCH: Bring coleslaw
another country – or continent. ries, raspberries or strawberries. At the to your next potluck or picnic.
Find local food by visiting a farmers’ market or asking peak of summer sweetness, berries
the produce manager of your favourite grocery store to freeze well. Buy frozen or freeze them BERRY GOOD: Toss some berries
on your cereal or ice cream for a
stock more local foods and clearly identify them as such. yourself in batches on a cookie sheet, nutritious, delicious punch.
Make a day of it this summer by visiting a U-pick farm with transferring to sealable bags. They are
your friends or family to pick fresh. And think about start- ready in your freezer for baking or ONLY VAMPIRES AVOID GARLIC:
Mince a little garlic and put it into
ing your own veggie patch or pot at home. Beginners smoothie making. salad dressings or sauté your vegeta-
should try carrots, beans, snap peas, lettuce and onions. bles with it.
If you don’t have a garden space, try growing tomatoes How much is enough?
MORE IS BETTER: Increase the
Aim to have seven to 10 servings per
variety of your meals by including
day. It sounds like a lot, but when you one new or locally-sourced food
think that half a cup (125 mL) of fresh each week.
or frozen vegetables is a serving, it
adds up quickly. Increase your intake by
having a bowl of fruit in easy reach. Keep
Find local
Photograph courtesy of Travel Alberta
washed and cut veggies in see-through

containers in the fridge. That way they foods in season
are convenient to snack on or to have
eatlocalfirst.com
handy for meal preparation on a busy
workday. albertamarkets.com
albertafarmfresh.com
Karol Sekulic is a registered dietitian with eatalberta.ca
expertise and interest in the areas of weight
management, nutrition and communications.

asktheexpert / A RESOURCE FOR YOU
YOU’VE GOT QUESTIONS

Leap consults the experts with some of your most pressing concerns
After eight months of taking tamoxifen I was told by a

cardiologist that I had high triglycerides. After 14
months on tamoxifen I stopped taking it and my triglyc-
erides went down to normal. I have since restarted the
tamoxifen. Does having high triglycerides play a role in
heart disease? Are you familiar with the claim that
tamoxifen causes triglycerides to increase?
Tamoxifen, which breast cancer patients take orally,

has been used for three decades to treat and, more
recently, prevent some breast cancers in suscepti-
ble people. Estrogen, a hormone the body produc-
es, can promote the development of cancer in the
breast. Estrogen spurs the growth of breast cancer
cells in estrogen receptor-positive cancers.
Tamoxifen interferes with the way estrogen inter-
acts with these cells and, as such, is known as a
SERM (Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator).
“Tamoxifen is an endocrine treatment most often
taken to prevent breast cancer from recurring after
surgical resection,” says Dr. John Mackey, medical
oncologist at the Cross Cancer Institute in
Edmonton. In some cases physicians prescribe it to
try to cure the cancer and, in metastatic cases, it can
be used to slow or stop the growth of cancer. It’s a
well-studied and generally well-tolerated drug.
Hypertriglyceridemia is a condition in which
higher-than-normal levels of fat are found in the
blood, explains Mackey. “A small percentage of
women taking tamoxifen find that their blood tri-
glyceride levels do increase,” he says. “In contrast,
the levels of bad cholesterol frequently decrease.”
In general, women taking tamoxifen usually have a
favourable change in the levels of fat their blood.
“Tamoxifen,” Mackey says, “does not cause
higher rates of heart attacks.”

I take vitamin D in the winter. Do I need
to take it in the summer, too? I’m fair so
I use sunscreen.
Vitamin D is increasingly associated with a reduction

in the risk of developing some kinds of cancer.
A number of studies have been completed and more
are underway. One study looked at 1,200 healthy
postmenopausal women who took daily supple-
ments of calcium and 1,100 IU of vitamin D or a
placebo for four years. Subjects who took supple-
ments had a 60 per cent lower incidence of cancer
overall. Another study established a possible reduc-
tion in mortality from colorectal cancer among sub-
jects with a higher dietary and supplemental intake
as compared to those in the lower end of vitamin D Does taking oral contraceptives
intake. Other studies of cancer and vitamin D have increase my cancer risk?
shown no cancer risk or disease reduction.
Dr. Gerry Schwalfenberg, assistant clinical profes-
sor at the University of Alberta, points out that in the “The relationship between oral contraceptives and cancer is well-studied,” says
lab, vitamin D is proven to encourage apoptosis, or Krista Rawson, nurse practitioner at the Central Alberta Cancer Centre. “There are
cell death. The lack of apoptosis results in the uncon- many variables that play a role.” While a woman is taking oral contraceptives, her
trolled cell growth that is the hallmark of cancer. risk of breast cancer may be very slightly higher. But women with breast cancer
“Vitamin D production can be blocked by as much who have taken the pill in the past generally have less-advanced disease than
as 85 per cent with the use of sunscreen that has as women who have not.
little as SPF eight,” Schwalfenberg says. “So yes, I A National Cancer Institute-sponsored study had researchers examine risk
advise people to continue taking vitamin D supple- factors for breast cancer among women ages 20 to 34 and compare them to
ments in the summer.” He explains that it takes about women ages 35 to 54. “Ten years after stopping the pill,” Rawson says, “a wom-
15 minutes in the sun at midday, with arms and legs an’s risk of being diagnosed with cancer is back to what it would normally be, all
exposed, for a fair-skinned person’s body to make factors considered.” And there may be benefits, too.
enough vitamin D. A darker-skinned person would “Breast cancers diagnosed in women 10 or more years after they had finished
need five times as much sun, as the melanin in their using oral contraceptives were less advanced than breast cancers diagnosed in
skin acts as a natural sunscreen. women who had never taken the pill,” Rawson says. The collaborative analysis
While some agencies recommend people take vita- that established this link between less-advanced breast cancer and the pill was
min D supplements of 1,000 IU per day, Schwalfenberg published in the British medical journal The Lancet. It examined the results of 54
recommends double that amount. Foods high in vitamin studies involving 53,297 women with breast cancer and 100,239 women without
D include fortified milk, eggs and oily fish such as mack- breast cancer. More than 200 researchers participated in this combined analysis
erel, salmon and Arctic char. of their original studies, which represented about 90 per cent of the epidemiolog-
ical studies throughout the world that had investigated the possible relationship
between oral contraceptives and breast cancer.
A second large study, called the Women’s CARE study (published in the New
England Journal of Medicine) looked at almost 5,000 women aged 35 to 64 who
had breast cancer. They compared them to the same number of women who had
not been diagnosed with breast cancer. “The results showed there was no signifi-
cantly increased risk of breast cancer,” Rawson says. Even including factors such
as longer periods of time of taking oral contraceptives, starting contraceptives
before the age of 20 and having family history of cancer didn’t increase the risk of
breast cancer among women who had taken the pill.
Ask our experts questions regarding cancer prevention

and treatment. Please submit them via email to
letters@myleapmagazine.ca. Remember, the advice
below is never a substitute for talking directly to
your family doctor.

Cancer: YOUNG ADULTS OVERCOME

The risk of infertility after cancer treatment
is a shock to many young couples, but there
is still plenty of hope
BY TRICIA RADISON / ILLUSTRATION BY HEFF O’REILLY
C hristy Soholt and her husband Trevor had

just started talking seriously about having a baby
when Christy noticed a lump in her breast. At 28,
the Edmonton resident wasn’t concerned; as her doctor
said, it was probably a cyst. Still, Christy and Trevor put
medical intervention. If only partial destruction of eggs
occurs, her periods may resume, but fertility may still be
affected. Eggs can be badly damaged and, because there
may be fewer eggs left, she may go into menopause earlier.
It means that women who are diagnosed with cancer
their parenting plans on hold for a couple of weeks while and want to preserve their fertility need to consider their
she waited for the lump to disappear. Instead, there was a options at the outset.
change of plans. Just days after the diagnosis, Christy and Trevor
Christy’s doctor decided on a biopsy and Christy was travelled to the Regional Fertility Program clinic in
diagnosed with breast cancer. The next day she was in a Calgary to find out what they could do to preserve their
surgeon’s office. dreams of having a baby. There they learned that their best
“He talked about my options for lumpectomy and option for a biological child was in vitro fertilization (IVF),
mastectomy (removing the lump or the entire breast), in which a woman’s eggs are harvested and fertilized
then went on to say I would need chemotherapy, and that outside her body, and the resulting embryos are frozen,
treatment would likely make me sterile,” says Christy. The saved for implantation after treatment is finished.
news was shocking. Like many people, the Soholts had no “That’s your gold standard,” says Dr. Foong. “It’s
idea that cancer treatment could have this particular life- important for people to realize that if you try to preserve
altering impact. fertility, you want to go with the best chances of success.”
As Christy soon learned, her surgeon was misinformed; But the cost is high. Depending on whether you have
not all women treated for cancer end up infertile. “The coverage, IVF can cost approximately $10,000 to $12,000.
rate of infertility varies greatly depending on age, the kind The success rates for younger women like Christy are 50
of chemotherapy agent and other factors in the person’s per cent or higher.
medical history,” explains Dr. Shu Foong, a physician for The only other option is to freeze (or vitrify) eggs.
the Regional Fertility Program in Calgary. “But there is, Women go through the same process of hormone injection
unfortunately, no one test that can accurately predict and egg harvesting, and then the unfertilized eggs are
who will or will not have trouble with infertility following frozen. At a later date, the eggs are thawed and fertilized,
chemotherapy.” and the embryos are placed into the uterus when required.
Chemotherapy and radiation can destroy rapidly The process, says Dr. Foong, is still experimental and
dividing cells, and that includes the eggs that a woman doesn’t work as well as freezing embryos.
is born with. Treatment can put a woman into early Christy and Trevor decided to forgo freezing embryos
menopause, making her unable to get pregnant without or eggs for a number of reasons. The cost was high for the

young couple and they knew that Christy could come through treatment we’ll have made a lot of progress,” she says.
with her fertility intact. They would also have to travel to Calgary to begin The couple has also explored international and domestic adoption.
hormone injections the day after Christy had surgery. After an eight-month application process, they have put their names on
“At this point in my cancer a waiting list for the private adoption of
diagnosis, I didn’t know if my tumour Ultimately, Christy and Trevor realized a newborn. They’ve been on the list for a
was hormone-receptor positive,” she they needed to focus on the present, year and will continue trying to conceive.
says. Injecting hormones could spur on taking care of Christy, rather than “I’m so determined now that this will
on the growth of such cancer. “We happen for us,” says Christy, of her desire to
also didn’t think driving three-and-
on what might happen in the future. have a family one way or another. “Before,
a-half hours the day after my first-ever surgery was a great idea,” says we thought maybe kids wouldn’t be a thing for us. Now we are so aware of
Christy. Ultimately, she explains, they realized they needed to focus on how precious life is and how much we do want a family.”
the present, on taking care of Christy rather than on what might happen
in the future.
It’s a decision that Trevor says he might not have made today. He
describes IVF as “another tool,” one that could extend the options of
ADVICE FROM THOSE IN THE KNOW
couples seeking to preserve fertility.
Christy and Trevor may have had to delay their plan for a family, but • Talk to your doctor early. This gives you more time to
the plan hasn’t changed. Christy remains hopeful in spite of an insensitive gather information and make a decision.
comment from a doctor at a fertility clinic in Edmonton who Christy saw • Look for accurate information. The medical community
to find out if there was anything she could do to increase the likelihood of is becoming more informed thanks to doctors like
conception. Dr. Foong, who lectures and writes on this subject, but
“I had gone through genetic testing because I got breast cancer so as Christy’s experience shows, there is still
young,” says Christy. She carries a genetic mutation that increases the misinformation out there. Websites like fertilehope.org
risk of both breast cancer and ovarian cancer. “The doctor at the fertility and fertile-future.com are good places to start.
• Focus on today. If you’re in treatment, you need to take
clinic said that I should be grateful that I couldn’t have children because
care of yourself. Remember too, that science is always
I wouldn’t pass on the mutation and have to live with that guilt.”
advancing. For example, ovarian tissue preservation
As a communications associate at the Alberta Cancer Foundation,
may someday allow doctors to preserve a part of the
Christy doesn’t agree. Because of her job, she understands that
ovary to allow for transplantation at a later date.
the knowledge about cancer and techniques for preventing and
treating it are evolving constantly. “By the time my children are my age,
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All by
Myself
Young adults are blindsided by
I
n 2004, Ashley Rose was immersed in her Bachelor
of Science degree at the University of Alberta and burn-
cancer. It changes relationships ing the candle at both ends, taking a summer course and
working full-time. One day, feeling the weight of fatigue,
and can be especially isolating Rose was walking across a parking lot after a class. She looked
at a cement block and thought it looked comfortable enough
to be a pillow. The 21-year-old had never been so tired. A cou-
BY TAMARA STECYK ple of weeks later, she was sitting in a large lecture hall. Every
time she extended her neck to look up from her notes to
the professor, her breath would catch. It was time to see the
doctor.
A few days after her appointment, Rose arrived home from
her second day as an occupational therapist practicum

student, to discover two missed calls from her doctor and office was near the university at the Cross Cancer Institute.
three messages from a surgeon. Nervously, she dialled the But Rose wasn’t finding the peer support that she needed.
doctor’s office. They were closing but told her if she could She did discover who her friends were. She drifted apart
make it in 15 minutes, they would stay open for her. from some who seemed unable to handle the fact that she
The rain was pounding as she raced 80-kilometres- had cancer. One of them was a close friend who was in
an-hour to hear the results. medical school but couldn’t cope with Rose’s illness.
It was thyroid cancer. “I was crushed,” Rose says. Others seemed to rally around her. Three friends in par-
“They figured that I’d had it for five to 10 years. It had ticular stuck by her; one of them made her a stained glass
spread into my breast tissue.” The diagnosis would angel so Rose could always have an angel beside her. During
change her. one hospital visit, Rose was recovering from an operation
and was nauseated from the anaesthetic. “When
When she was diagnosed, Margo friends come to the hospital to hold your puke
bucket – it solidified friendships to this day.”
Schulte Long was afraid. “Then, seeing
Later, Rose’s mother told her that she had seen
how everyone else was reacting around the same unflappable friends in the hallway, pale
me, I started worrying how other and grim, even crying, out of Rose’s sight so as to
people were doing.” not upset her.
Rose still needed to talk to others her age who
Young adults who get this kind of news are often could comprehend what she was going through. She
blindsided. They’re at the prime of their lives. It can turned to Young Adult Cancer Canada, a national organi-
change not just their health but how they relate to friends zation to support young adults with cancer. She also signed
and family. It’s especially difficult for young people to up for a nine-day kayaking trip on the Owyhee River in
handle these changes in their relationships. Rose may Oregon with Survive and Thrive, an annual expedition for
have had family and friends surrounding her while she young cancer survivors, last summer. The expedition pro-
was being treated but she still grappled with feelings of vides young adults a chance to reflect on their journey with
isolation and rejection. cancer and an opportunity to reclaim their lives.
And she wasn’t the only one in the family who was “I thought I was doing great but there’s something to be
sick. Her father was being treated at the time for non- said about being with other people who’ve gone through
Hodgkin’s lymphoma; Rose was admitted to the hospi- the same thing,” she says. “It’s not that cancer defines who
tal just two days after he was discharged. “I was worried we are. It’s part of who we are.”
about my family,” Rose says. She didn’t want her diagno- Réjeanne Dupuis, a psychologist at the Tom Baker
sis to add more stress. Cancer Centre in Calgary, says isolation stems from
Once she recovered from her surgery, Rose returned friends and family who don’t know how to interact with a
to her life as a student while grappling with cancer. “I cancer patient. “There’s a stigma about being sick,” Dupuis
found the hardest part was perspective. My friends were says. “People know it is a life threatening issue. People
all going out travelling and partying,” she says. “I was don’t know what to say to a cancer patient.”
bound to the outcome of my medical tests.” And cancer patients, especially young adults, don’t want
In between classes, she would visit her doctor, whose to burden their friends and family.

ADJUST TO THE NEW NORMAL
Réjeanne Dupuis, a psychologist at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre in Calgary, advises young
cancer patients to talk to friends and family about frustrations, fears and other issues. If it’s
too difficult to communicate to loved ones, then find counselling, meet other young adults
with cancer or join a support group.
Dupuis advises patients to step back and look at life from another perspective. Try not to
think you’re missing out on experiences such as parenting your children, school or building
a career. Reframing your thoughts and beliefs about what is happening can help to alleviate
stress.
Being less involved with day-to-day family activities doesn’t negate your importance
as a mother or father. Talk to your children daily, either by phone or in person, for consistent
contact and reassurance.
Laughter is indeed one of the best medicines. Plan to have a good laugh every day or take a
Laughing Yoga class. Visit www.laughteryoga.org to look up one of 12 club locations in Alberta.
“Often, they don’t know what they need,” Dupuis says. children’s lives, especially the twin babies.
“They don’t feel like they are contributing anymore.” “It was really hard to know I wasn’t raising the babies.
Margo Schulte Long felt she wasn’t putting as much into The babies didn’t know me. I didn’t have anyone to talk to
her role as a mother to her identical twin babies and three- about it. Just like you die alone, you go through sickness
year-old daughter as she wanted to after her diagnosis with alone. It’s such a singular, solo journey,” she says.
follicular non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 2002. Her form of cancer usually targets older people and
Her pregnancy was problem-free. That summer, by the Schulte Long couldn’t relate to other cancer patients.
time Georgia and Mikal were two months old, Schulte “When I got this, there was no one to talk to. I couldn’t be
Long had them on a regular breastfeeding schedule and part of the breast cancer movement. I had no group,” she
she was feeling great by getting back in shape through jog- says. “I have the disease that’s only for 65-year-olds.”
ging. One morning she was checking herself out in the mir- Schulte Long is now in remission. She coped with her
ror, thinking how well she was doing about reclaiming her cancer by starting the SnowBall, an annual fundraiser for
body from a pregnant state. Schulte Long turned sideways the Alberta Cancer Foundation, in 2003. The last SnowBall
and noticed that she still looked like a woman who was in was held in 2009 and the combined events raised between
the third month of pregnancy. She ran her hand over the $60,000 and $70,000 for the foundation.
area and felt a large ridge around her belly that couldn’t be Both Rose and Schulte Long still feel there is much room
extra fat or excess skin. It was a lump that wasn’t going for growth to support young adults with cancer in Alberta.
down. Her doctor suggested it was fibroids and booked an Rose says she is living a dream life right now as she just
ultrasound. Schulte Long eventually found that she had a landed her perfect job with the Edmonton Catholic Schools
slow-growing and currently incurable cancer. Her largest and has bought her first house. Schutle Long has remarried
tumour was 17 centimetres in diameter. and is busy maintaining a household that sometimes holds
Schulte Long, 31 at the time, says she couldn’t release her five children.
feelings about her diagnosis. This past April, Rose attended an Edmonton movie
“At first, I was in pretty extreme terror and then, seeing screening for Wrong Way to Hope, a film about a group of
how everyone else was reacting around me, I changed to young Canadians with cancer who went on the expedition
damage control,” she says. “I started worrying how other on the Owyhee River, led by 25-year-old Mike Lang.
people were doing.” Following the screening, Rose asked the 60-member audi-
During her chemotherapy and a new immunotherapy ence if she could collect names and contact information for
treatment, she would end up in a lot of pain and vomiting, an Edmonton support group for young adults with cancer.
resulting in several trips to the emergency room. By January, Eight young people gave her their information. Rose has
it was decided that the clinical drug trial wasn’t working and been researching how to start a group and how to reach out
she was put on a different treatment. to young people. She knows that many young cancer
“I was a mess. I spent a lot of time either with home care patients go through what’s called “reintrajectorization,”
or being in the hospital. I just had to make it through each the process of reconnecting with their old lives while grap-
minute,” says Schulte Long. pling with the disease.
In the meantime, her first husband and parents stepped “Long after diagnosis, you realize what impact it has on
up to help with the three girls. Schulte Long had a difficult your life, personality and future,” Rose says. “Don’t be afraid
time trying not to resent that she was missing parts of her to live your life. There is hope for life after cancer.”
alber tacancer foundation.ca summer 2011 21

BY LINDSEY NORRIS / ILLUSTRATION BY RAYMOND REID
The world stops in the face of a cancer diagnosis.

But the financial pressures of day-to-day life
don’t go away, even for cancer
T he year 2003 promised to be a very good one for Darren Neuberger.

After years working in sales, the 34-year-old was starting a new career testing
wells for an oil-and-gas company based in Grande Prairie. His wife, Jaylene, also
had new prospects on the horizon: She was finishing college and starting a new job.
But Neuberger had been dogged by a cough all year. He’d seen a doctor a couple of
times and had been sent home – it was flu season, after all. Finally, on a Friday just before
he was to leave his home in Lethbridge for a month-long trip to an oil-and-gas camp,
Jaylene convinced him to go to the emergency room. She thought he had pneumonia and
didn’t want him going to camp without medicine for it. The ER doctor listened to his
chest and nearly sent him home, too, until Neuberger mentioned a strange lump on his
collarbone. The doctor sent him for a series of tests. By that afternoon, Neuberger had
been diagnosed with cancer. It was acute lymphocytic leukemia.
His good year changed irrevocably. Instead of heading to camp, he was admitted as an
in-patient at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre in Calgary, two hours from home. High-dose
chemo ravaged his immune system, and he contracted e-coli and a high fever. He was not
able to go home for five months, and ultimately underwent treatment for a gruelling two
years. For a young couple beginning new careers, it was two years of financial drought.
“People often forget that when you go through the cancer care experience, it isn’t just
treatment,” Neuberger says. “Life goes on; bills go on.”
Neuberger received disability assistance, and they scraped by on his wife’s entry-level
salary. They also received some extra help from the Alberta Cancer Foundation’s Patient
Assistance Fund, available to provide short-term help to families with urgent financial needs.
“It helped us out in so many ways,” Neuberger says. “It took away the worry of how my
wife was going to get to Calgary to see me. They helped us with gift certificates for grocer-
ies. It takes away one more stress that you don’t need when you’re going through the
uncertainty of a cancer diagnosis.”

SUPPORTING THE PATIENT FINANCIAL
ASSISTANCE FUND
The Patient Financial Assistance Fund can be accessed by patients in need.
After a financial assessment, a social worker provides the appropriate forms
Bernie Dunlop is a social worker at the Tom Baker and, in some cases patients can access funds immediately so that nobody has
Cancer Centre. She meets people when they are first diag- to leave without the necessary medications.
nosed with cancer, or sometimes when they have recently The fund is supported by donations to the Alberta Cancer Foundation. The
had surgery, or are struggling with treatment. foundation designates about 70 per cent of funds towards research, 15 per
She says completing a financial assessment of cancer cent to prevention and early diagnosis and 15 per cent to patient support,
patients is one of the highest priorities for social workers. which includes the Patient Financial Assistance Fund.
“When people receive a diagnosis that usually means a Donors to the ACF can designate where they would like their money to go.
drastic reduction in household income,” Dunlop says. Donations can stay in the community of origin to help people with immediate
That’s a problem, since it is not unusual for many families to financial needs, including gift certificates for groceries, travel expenses and
live paycheque-to-paycheque, and they may be extremely medication.
uncomfortable talking about their personal finances.
“It is very humbling,” she says. “It is hard for people to
tell us how much is in their chequing and savings accounts, Lethbridge. In his off-work hours, he hosts the Let’s Talk About It radio show and
if they even have them.” wrote a book, Let’s Talk About It, focusing on people aged 18 to 34 who have cancer.
Sometimes Dunlop directs people to social services. “There are a lot of us in that age group, where you may be starting a family, or are
Social workers can also intercede with an insurance com- unable to have children because of treatment, and you aren’t under the care of your
pany if it begins to restrict coverage. She can also help peo- parents anymore but you may not have a lot of financial stability either,” he says.
ple find debt-reduction resources. But for immediate, In retrospect, he wishes he had listened to the insurance advisors who wanted to talk to
short-term assistance, she directs people to the Alberta him about disability coverage, as he had recently started a new job and wasn’t eligible for
Cancer Foundation’s Patient Financial Assistance Fund. benefits from his employer. Although their family developed excellent budgeting skills,
“For the individuals who are able to access this fund, and even had some money in the bank when Neuberger was declared cancer-free in 2005,
we really stress the importance of it, because it allows they went without things others might consider necessary. They cut back on everything.
them to focus on their self-care,” she says. Now he makes a point to tell people to plan for emergencies, even if it’s $20 a month,
It took a lot of stress off of the Neubergers. Darren and to accept the help that is available. “You never know when you will be on the other
has now been cancer-free for six years, and works for side of that situation and able to be give back,” he says. “And it’s important, because at the
the Alberta Cancer Foundation at the Jack Ady Centre in end of the day, you should be focusing on getting better.”

No Pity Party
Who would blame Alyson Woloshyn if she opted to focus
exclusively on herself? Instead, she gives back
BY MIFI PURVIS
A lyson Woloshyn had a new position at the

University of Calgary, one that challenged and
invigorated her, as the director of a student
service centre. She had found the love of her life,
optometrist Jared Long, and moved to the city with
him from Ontario in 2003. They led healthy, active lives
and, as eager skiers, the pair relished the chance to live
close to the Rockies.
But in the fall of 2008, then-32-year-old Woloshyn
started watching TV – lots of TV.
“I fell into a funk,” she says. “I was bored all the
time – apathetic and depressed.” To Long, who was
used to sharing his life with the vivacious go-getter he
had coaxed to Alberta from Kitchener, the change was
creeping but clear. “When he said anything about it, I
blamed it on the stress of my job,” Woloshyn says.
In February, Woloshyn stirred herself to go skiing
with friends and suffered a bout of vertigo at the top of
a hill. It was a particularly steep hill so she brushed the
vertigo off. But throughout the winter and early spring,
she was visited by occasional dizziness.
In March, the headaches started. Over the next few
weeks, they grew in frequency and intensity, causing
her to miss work. “You never get headaches,” Long told
her. “Go see your doctor.”
“I did, and my blood work was fine,” Woloshyn says.
The weather had recently been changeable and Calgary
is famous for its migraine-inducing Chinooks. “My
doctor wanted to wait until the weather stabilized and
then look into it.” She went home and suffered a deep-
ening headache for the better part of the next three
days before dragging herself to a walk-in clinic. The
doctor there referred her for an out-patient CT, which
could take some time.
On Thursday morning of that week, a staff member
came into her office, took one look at her and sent her
home to get some rest before a scheduled Monday trip
to Kelowna. More tired and headachy than sick,
Woloshyn went to a scheduled massage and haircut the
next day. Sitting in the salon chair at Swizzlestix, she
fell asleep twice.
“When I got home I fell into bed,” she says. “A couple

GREEN LIGHT: Alyson Woloshyn, far right, at
a University of Calgary event with former CEO
Linda Michelson and University of Calgary
president Dr. Elizabeth Cannon
of hours later I asked Jared to get me a bucket and I oncologist and other medical staff. She recently returned to a new position at the
started throwing up. He said, ‘That’s it.’ We got into the University of Calgary. The future, while shorter than she had hoped – “I hope to live
car and he took me to the emergency room at Foothills another five or 10 years” – still looks bright to her.
Hospital.” Long went to park the car and by the time he Clearly, her diagnosis was life-altering. And who would blame her if she opted to
got back, Woloshyn had been triaged and had seen a focus exclusively on her own health? But for Woloshyn, the change was a watershed
doctor, who arranged for a CT scan. that spurred her on to do better and be more.
The scan revealed a seven-centimetre growth in her “I’ve always believed that you need to put more in than you take out,” she says.
brain. Odds were good that it wasn’t cancer. Woloshyn “When I looked for ways I could help, it didn’t take long to find the Alberta Cancer
sailed through brain surgery and was discharged a few Foundation.” She speaks at events to help the organization raise money for research
days later. “This is how naive I was: I’d called my boss and treatment, and plans to donate to the organization part of the income from a self-
and said that I needed a few days off work,” she says. published book about her journey. “I hope that through my example, others will also
“When they called me for my follow-up appointment look to donate their time and money and put a little back.” She has received the maxi-
three days later, I figured they would tell me it wasn’t mum treatment available for brain cancer – there is nothing else. She hopes future
cancer – that I’d be out in 20 minutes.” patients in her position will have more options.
That appointment lasted three hours. Woloshyn was She says she has the skill set that could allow her to make an impact: event planning,
diagnosed with glioblastoma, a rare brain cancer. organization and motivational speaking. All she needed was the impetus to bring it all
“There are four grades and mine is a Grade 4, the most together. Unfortunately, that came in the form of glioblastoma. She started a blog at
severe,” she explains, her voice unwavering. “It has fin- alysonwoloshyn.com, at first to update friends on her condition, and then to inspire
gered into my brain and it’s difficult for surgeons to tell people to give back. Her enthusiasm is remarkable. She writes: “I may not have chosen
what’s brain and what’s tumour.” this path, but I choose to use the journey to make a significant difference.”
Woloshyn, Long and her parents attended the
appointment. “I can’t say enough about the care we
received,” Woloshyn says. “They had all the resources
there for us, and a full layout of a treatment plan.” She THE CAUSE
received radiation five times a week for six weeks con-
Alyson Woloshyn supports the Alberta Cancer Foundation – Brain
currently with low-dose chemotherapy. For the next Specific Research Trials and Grants. Find out more:
year, she used a new drug, Temodol, in a treatment regi- donate.albertacancer.ca/netcommunity/woloshynwarrior
men that was pioneered in part at the Tom Baker Cancer Every dollar raised will be put into research that focuses on finding a
Centre, funded in part by the Alberta Cancer cure for brain cancer. To support this journey, Alyson launched
Foundation. Woloshyn’s Warriors Event Tour, series of events to raise funds for the
Today, Alyson Woloshyn’s health is good. She does Alberta Cancer Foundation.
everything she can to maintain an anti-cancer lifestyle, To buy her book, go to www.alysonwolyshon.com
including working with a naturopath, as well as her


Some people aim to get through
cancer and get back to their lives.
For some younger patients,
it can change life’s course
BY KATHERINE FAWCETT / PHOTOGRAPHED BY BRITTANY MERRIFIELD
ill you marry me?”

“You got the job.”
“I’m pregnant!”
“Your mortgage has been approved.”
These are the life-changing phrases young adults may not expect to hear every
day, but they are within the scope of possibility. They are part of the lexicon of the
generation, a generation brimming with excitement and hope, making career and family choices, and
establishing a unique identity in the community.
“You’ve got cancer” is a phrase that doesn’t fit into that worldview. But it’s one that slapped Mike
Lang in the face three years ago. An athlete with a love of the outdoors, Lang was concerned that his
shortness of breath might be asthma and that it would slow him down. It turned out to be a cancerous
tumour the size of a baseball. Within days a variety of other tumours were discovered throughout his
body. Lang was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and began aggressive chemotherapy almost
immediately.
He was 25 years old.
Lang, a native Albertan who lives in Calgary, was a graduate of Trinity Western University with a
Bachelor of Human Kinetics in recreation. He had been working as an adventure guide with at-risk
youth. He’d married Bonnie only a few months earlier and the two loved nothing more than skiing,
rock-climbing, kayaking and mountaineering.

TAKE IT EASY: Lang and his wife Bonnie take

advantage of life, never taking anything for granted.
“I’d been working with at-risk youth, doing something good with my life and it was acceptance, perhaps young children at home and isola-
taken away from me. I felt my life was worthwhile,” he says. “It was so difficult for me tion within a health system geared to older patients.
and I was mad at God for putting me through it. I was mad at the injustice.” “All the young adult cancer survivors I’ve met say
It’s never fair and nobody expects cancer. But the odds of Lang having cancer were isolation is one of the biggest things,” says Lang. He
low. He was the picture of health and youthful vitality. Ironically, that’s one of the barri- recalls sitting in the waiting room at the Tom Baker
ers to earlier detection among young people. Lang’s age, Cancer Centre in Calgary
health and overall strength were factors that meant
neither he nor his doctors considered him particularly
“A delayed diagnosis is one of the awaiting chemotherapy
treatment. His sense of
vulnerable to the disease. biggest issues for young adults isolation grew when he
“A delayed diagnosis is one of the biggest issues for with cancer. It’s not supposed to looked at the faces sur-
young adults with cancer,” says Lang. “It’s not supposed rounding him. “I was the
to happen to people my age.” happen to people my age.” only young person in
Bonnie Lang, Mike’s wife and a professional personal that waiting room; every-
trainer, agrees. “Cancer is more expected when you’re older. Doctors check it out faster, one else was at least 30 years older than me. You feel like
and survivors have the thought of it at the back of their brains,” she says. “When you’re you’re the only person your age to ever get cancer.”
younger, it’s just not what you expect to hear.” Despite this, very little support, resources or research
However, according to Young Adult Cancer Canada, nearly 7,000 people between 15 funds are invested in this specific demographic. In fact,
and 39 are diagnosed with cancer every year. While survivorship rates for paediatric less than 0.1% of all research spending in Canada in 2006
patients and adults over 40 years old are steadily improving, rates for young adults with was targeted at young adults with cancer.
cancer have not changed since the mid-1970s. The first few months after diagnosis were dark and
Anyone living with cancer faces difficulties both physical and mental, but there are painful times for Lang. “I was in an angry place.” Aside
certain concerns that are unique to younger people. “Financial issues are big. At this age from the emotional trauma, the physical pain was
you are unstable. There are student loans. Car loans. Maybe a mortgage. We were lucky extremely difficult to bear. “Chemo drugs are really hard.
the chemo was covered, but the nausea meds were $30 per pill,” Lang says. “It’s not ideal One drug in particular was like fire in your veins. It took
to be married for five months and move back in with the parents. But I didn’t qualify for almost two hours each time to drip into my veins.
EI, so without them, we would have been homeless.” He says there are the issues of peer Toe-clenching pain.”

Although he lost most of his hair (except, oddly, for his water, hike, star-gaze, laugh, cry and dance. The group shares intimate moments of fear,
beard) and felt off-balance all the time, Lang tried to revelation, courage and compassion; their bravery is truly inspirational. Most partici-
ignore the disease. He refused to accept what was going pants had never even been in a kayak, let alone navigated rapids. Everyone, obviously,
on inside his body, and simply grew more and more bitter. had health concerns. And they were all virtually strangers when they set out.
He could see what was happening to him and felt help- “An adventure like this helps to build bonds quickly, quicker than if you’re sitting
less, but he knew he didn’t want cancer to define his life. around in a room sharing your feelings. By the second day, people were sharing stories
“My wife Bonnie and I were sort of pretending it wasn’t they hadn’t even shared with their own families,” Lang says. “You’re able to get to those
happening, and using that as a coping mechanism,” says deep levels of sharing that are needed for healing.”
Lang. “But it wasn’t working.” As the driving force, Lang was wor-
Eventually, he realized that “To me, this film is about redemption. ried that participants might not be
the cancer may not kill him strong enough to handle the river.
physically, but it might do so
It has brought abundant good out of a “It was a risk,” he says. “But now that
emotionally and spiritually. painful journey that almost destroyed me. we’ve done a few of them, (his third
That’s when they “started to Now, everywhere I turn, I can’t help but guided trip set out in June) we know
talk about how we could that survivors are strong. For the past
engage with it instead of clos-
see meaning and purpose.” number of years, their world has
ing our eyes to it.” shrunk down to this little bubble. We
One day, after a brutal few hours of chemotherapy let people burst the bubbles.”
spent attached to an IV at Calgary’s Tom Baker Cancer Lang’s film, The Wrong Way to Hope, introduces viewers to Laurie Hinsperger from
Centre, Lang was preparing to face the rest of his day. On Ottawa, who was diagnosed with colon cancer at 28 (after first being misdiagnosed with
his way out of the hospital, he noticed a poster lying on mononucleosis.) Aside from the sudden fear of her own mortality, Laurie was faced
the floor. It had fallen off a wall, and required a Herculean with financial challenges (her student loans), dietary challenges and social isolation.
effort simply to bend down and pick it up. The poster Another participant, Winnipeg’s Cheryl Roby, was diagnosed with cervical cancer
advertised a retreat sponsored by Young Adult Cancer just before her 30th birthday. Her greatest fear was not being around to see her then-
Canada. Lang had never heard of the organization, but a
voice inside him told him he must attend. He and his wife
packed their bags and headed to Lake Louise where they
encountered and immediately bonded with other young
adults with cancer. Right away, he saw how powerful it
was to be with other young adult cancer survivors, to con-
nect, and to share stories. Lang knew it was community
and connections that would help him heal.
“When you meet other people your age who have
cancer and who really understand what you’re dealing
with, it’s very powerful.”
At the Lake Louise retreat, Lang had an epiphany. He
decided to use his skills and experience as an adventure
guide and find purpose to his suffering. He put the word
out, and found seven other young adult cancer survivors
from across Canada who wanted to take on a new chal-
lenge, something he called “adventure therapy.”
The idea was to gather other young adult cancer survi-
vors together for a journey of a lifetime: an eight-day trip
down Oregon’s Owyhee River, a waterway that winds
through the third deepest canyon in North America. The
goal was to raise awareness of specific issues and chal-
lenges of young adults facing cancer. Lang had some bud-
dies with a small film company, Hands On Films, and they
jumped on board to document the experience.
So, after six months of chemotherapy and 60 days of
radiation treatment, Mike devoted himself to another
challenge: he poured his energy into the planning, pro-
motion and financing of the project he called The Wrong
Way to Hope. (Arrange a screening or buy the DVD at
wrongwaytohope.com.) SHARE THE ADVENTURE: Mike Lang and wife
The result is a deeply moving film that follows the par- Bonnie are a couple whose relationship grew rather
ticipants as they navigate class-three rapids in single-pas- than deteriorated after his diagnosis.
senger kayaks, jump off towering cliffs into cool canyon

RIGHT WAY: Lang’s adventure therapy groups

bond in a way they wouldn’t in group therapy.
five-month-old daughter grow up. She says her river trip together. However, those couples whose relationships do make it through can have
served as a metaphor for her life and her cancer journey. deeper bonds than ever. “Our mariage has been 100 per cent strengthened,” says the
“It taught me that, in my path through life, I may not effervescent blonde woman. “We’ve grown so much, as individuals and as a couple. We
always be able to see what dangers may lurk around the communicate even better than before. We have a new perspective.”
corner,” she says. “But I am strong, capable, and sur- Mike Lang’s hair is back and so is his athletic form. Looking at the pair of them,
rounded by good friends who will pull me to shore when you’d almost think nothing bad had ever happened to them. They could have
the river of life threatens to overwhelm me.” simply curled up together and got on with their lives now that Lang is in remission.
Alston Adams, from Montreal, was diagnosed with Instead, the disease has changed the course of their lives. “To me, this film is about
esophageal cancer at age 32 just after landing his dream redemption. It has brought abundant good out of a painful journey that almost
job. In the film, he jumps off a cliff into a river after repeat- destroyed me,” Lang says.
ed hesitation. He faces a fear of heights, but we know he’s “Now, everywhere I turn, I
already overcome worse than most of us can imagine.
Sadly, Adams died last year from cancer. The film
can’t help but see meaning
and purpose.” The experi- WATCH IT
immortalizes his friendly spirit, optimistic attitude and ence has turned Lang into Edmonton Filmmaker Joe Viszmeg
courage. Viewers are hit with the glaring reality that one not just a young adult who famously likened his own journey with
in seven young adults who are diagnosed with cancer will made it through cancer, but cancer to “a monster truck rally, with
die from the disease. also documentary filmmak- a six-pack of beer beside me.” For the
Mike and Bonnie are currently driving across Canada er, fundraiser, public-speak- perspective of a young Edmonton father
in an RV, showing the film to oncologists, psycho-social er, promoter and inspira- facing his own mortality, check out the late
and other allied health-care practitioners, cancer patients tion. On his website and in Viszmeg’s award-winning docs about his
(and former ones) and their support networks. Many his presentation, Lang likes experience with cancer.
others are simply film-lovers keen to watch a great story to quote Dr. Rachel Naomi In My Own Time: Diary of a Cancer Patient,
of strength and adventure. Remen, an American spe- recounts his diagnosis with adrenal cancer
But Lang says that when friends and family members cialist in the mind/body in 1991 and the impact it has on his life with
see the movie they often ask the cancer patient or former health field: “Facts bring us his young family. His account of living for
patient in their lives: “Did you go through all that emo- to knowledge, but stories years with this disease, My Healing Journey:
tional stuff?” And the survivors answer, “Yes, but I didn’t lead to wisdom.” Seven Years with Cancer, was released
know how to tell you.” The film changes both the patients’ “Stuff happens to you, shortly before his death in 1999.
and their friends’ and families’ experiences of cancer. you know, that you can’t To watch or buy these remarkable films,
The Langs have met countless cancer survivors and control,” he says in visit The National Film Board of Canada’s
their partners, and they have seen the devastating effects the film. “But you can website (www.nfb.ca) and search “Viszmeg.”
the disease can have on young relationships. Bonnie says choose where you go
that many couples going through cancer don’t stay from there.
30 summer 2011 alber tacancer foundation.ca

GEARED UP
BY CAILYNN KLINGBEIL
Calgary-based energy company

Enbridge supports the ride of a
lifetime, in addition to funding a
research chair
When Vern Yu’s good friend asked him to participate in

2009’s Ride to Conquer Cancer, benefiting the Alberta Cancer
Foundation, Yu quickly agreed. “I thought I’d get involved to help
him out,” says Yu, Vice President of business development and
asset management at Calgary-based energy company Enbridge.
The next year when Yu asked his coworkers at Enbridge to join
him on the ride of a lifetime, they were equally eager to get
involved in the two-day cycling adventure. Seventy Enbridge
employees participated in the ride. Equally significant, the com-
pany stepped up to the plate, backing them with corporate dol-
lars, becoming the title sponsor of the event. The 2010 Enbridge
Ride to Conquer Cancer had thousands of participants cycling
from Calgary to the Rocky Mountains and back over two days,
raising a total of $7.3 million for the Alberta Cancer Foundation.
“It was very rewarding that I was able to get the company I “There was recognition at the company that cancer touches
work for involved,” says Yu. “We were able to increase participa- everyone,” says O’Grady of Enbridge’s extensive support.
tion in the overall event and increase the amount of money “Cancer touches our customers, our land owners and our
raised for cancer research.” employees. We saw this as an opportunity to do something that
This year, Yu and the team at Enbridge are stepping up their would have a long-term impact in the areas of research, aware-
commitment. Enbridge is the national sponsor of the Enbridge ness and education.”
Ride to Conquer Cancer across Canada, with events taking place The $3-million Enbridge Endowed Research Chair, in partner-
in Alberta, B.C., Quebec and Ontario in June and July. So far, 213 ship with the Alberta Cancer Foundation and the Canadian Cancer
Enbridge employees and their families are participating in this Society, provides funding to Dr. Linda E. Carlson. Carlson’s
year’s event, which takes place June 25-26 in Alberta. The research on understanding and treating the social, psychological,
Enbridge team has already raised nearly half a million dollars – emotional, spiritual and functional aspects of cancer includes
and there’s still two months of fundraising before the event. looking at alternative treatment, such as yoga and meditation.
“At Enbridge, we feel that health and research are critical for “We know that there’s still a lot to be uncovered in the whole
the betterment of everyone,” says Yu. “We didn’t previously have science of cancer detection,” says O’Grady of supporting such
a primary charity; we had donated to many charities. There was research. “The psychosocial oncology chair takes a holistic
an opportunity to take a lead role in this particular event so we approach to support cancer patients, their families and everyone
jumped on it.” around them.”
Enbridge’s support of the Alberta Cancer Foundation extends
beyond the annual ride. The company has funded a research
chair in psychosocial oncology at the University of Calgary since For more information about Ride to Conquer
2006. “Enbridge is proud of its long history with the Alberta
Cancer Foundation,” says Dan O’Grady, national manger of com-
Cancer, visit www.conquercancer.ca
munity partnerships and investment.

Grab our top tips, a tube of sunscreen and a water bottle –
and enjoy some of Alberta’s great seasonal activities
BY CAILYNN KLINGBEIL AND MIFI PURVIS
A lberta summers are short and sweet, so make the most of your free
time this year. One of the best ways to safeguard your physical and
mental health is to get out and get active – enjoy life. There is something for
everyone and every ability, and certainly no shortage of fun stuff to do
around the province. Check out a 10-pack of our favourites. Some are
well-known summer jaunts and others are a little more obscure, but
you’ll find something here for you.
FIND OLYMPIC FUN:

The main venue of the 1988 Winter Olympics is not
just a training centre for elite athletes – the Calgary
site is also open to the general public for various
recreational activities. On North America’s fastest
zipline, riders start at the ski jump tower and soar
down the 500-metre course. For those seeking
even greater thrills, try the summer bobsleigh ride.
Led by a professional driver, bobsleigh riders travel
at 100 km/h and reach four G-forces. TOP TIP: The zipline
COST: $60 for zipline, $69 for bobsleigh ride takes you to the top of
FIND OUT MORE: winsportcanada.ca/cop, the ski jump tower.
403-247-5452 Experience panoramic
views of the city skyline
and Rocky Mountains,
then soar off the jump
deck and ride to the
base of the hill.

PICK A PAIL:
July and August in Alberta bring the sweet taste of
berries. Head to a U-pick farm and load up. What you
can’t eat or bake, you can freeze and lay away. Alberta
grows, among other fruit, strawberries, raspberries,
saskatoons, currants and cherries. The fruit varies in
availability per variety, location and weather. The
Alberta Farm Fresh Producers Association has a
guide that can help you plan your berry-picking
adventure. Some farms also grow U-pick veggies.
COST: Variable. It depends on how far you drive,
what and how much you pick.
FIND OUT MORE: albertafarmfresh.com
TOP TIP: Allow

plenty of time and be
sure to bring a snack,
plenty of water, SEE IT BEFORE
sunscreen and bug IT’S GONE:
spray. The great Columbia
Icefield, the remnant
of an ancient ice mass,
has about half a dozen
terminal points, one of
its most recognizable
TOP TIP: Listen to is the Athabasca
your guide. Hidden Glacier. The big melt is
crevasses are deadly. on, so you might want
to see this remarkable
ice formation while
RIDE A SEGWAY: you can – it’s receding
If you seek fewer thrills and more scenery, Segway at a rate of nearly
Edmonton’s river valley tour is the perfect fit. three metres a year.
Participants watch a safety video about the operation Local tour companies
of the Segway and complete a training session before provide guided ice
climbing on the two-wheeled, self-balancing electric walks on the lower
vehicle for an hour and a half tour through the half of the glacier.
beautiful river valley. COST: $60 for a
COST: $50 and up three- to four-hour
FIND OUT MORE: segwayedmonton.com, guided walk.
780-995-7347 FIND OUT MORE:
icewalks.com,
1-800-565-7547
TOP TIP: Segways don’t

have engines, brakes or
a steering wheel; they
move by responding
to a person’s centre
of gravity and turn
with the flick of the
rider’s wrist.

Summer Sizzlers
BE UKRAINIAN:
Hit the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village, 50 TOP TIP: The village
kilometres east of Edmonton. The award-winning is close to the
historic site honours the many Ukrainian settlers in entrance Elk Island
Alberta. Step back in time, to the late 1800s and National Park. Start
meet some actors portraying real-life Ukrainian early and make a day
pioneers. The village includes Ukrainian churches, of it.
a grain elevator, blacksmith shop and a traditional
sod hut. Don’t miss the great food.
COST: $9, free for children under seven
FIND OUT MORE: culture.alberta.ca,
780-662-3640
DO NOT FEED THE DINOSAURS:

The days of the dinosaurs roar to life again at
Jurassic Forest, a 40-acre attraction located just
outside of Edmonton, in Gibbons. Visitors travel
millions of years back in time, as gigantic and
realistic robotic dinosaurs roam this prehistoric WISH ON A STAR:
preserve. Interpretative trails, an outdoor Next time you’re driving between Calgary and Edmonton, make a
playground and an interactive exhibit hall stop in Red Deer to tour Sylvan Star Cheese Ltd., a family-run
complete the experience. organization that makes award-winning cheese in the heart of Alberta.
COST: $14 for adult, $8 for children COST: $5 per person
FIND OUT MORE: jurassicforest.com, FIND OUT MORE: sylvanstarcheesefarm.ca, 403-340-1560
780-470-2446
TOP TIP: Sylvan

Star’s selection of
Gouda includes mild,
medium, aged and
smoked Gouda.
TOP TIP: Jurassic Forest is set in a natural

environment, so bring clothing suitable for
the outdoors and good walking shoes. Bring
a camera too, as there’s ample opportunity
for pictures and videos.

SUPERSIZE IT:
The province has a variety of roadside attractions.
Make a stop on your next road trip for a photo with
any of these oversized gigantic Alberta wonders.
Vegreville’s pysanka, a giant Ukrainian Easter
egg, was created to celebrate the 100th
anniversary of the Royal Canadian Mounted
Police in 1974. The egg symbolizes the peace
and security the RCMP offered the area’s
Ukrainian pioneers and their descendants.
The world’s largest dinosaur, standing at an
impressive 86 feet high, is a well-known
Drumheller attraction. Visitors can climb a
staircase inside the giant T-rex and admire a view
of the badlands from inside the dino’s giant jaw.
The world’s largest perogy is located in the
village of Glendon, situated in Pyrogy Park just
off of Pyrogy Drive. Hungry visitors can also
sample various perogies at nearby restaurants.
Other oversized Alberta attractions include a
lamp in the village of Donalda, Falher’s giant
bee, Medicine Hat’s tipi, Taber’s corn stalk and
Vulcan’s starship. Put them on your life list.
COST: Gas to get you there, free to look
SEE THE BUFFALO JUMP:

Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump is the largest,
oldest and best preserved of all bison jumps in
the world. At the site, which was used by
Aboriginal peoples of the plains for more than
5,000 years, the hunting technique was to chase
bison over a steep cliff. Today, an interpretive
centre guides visitors through the ecology,
mythology, lifestyle and technology of those
early peoples. The jump was declared a World
Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1981 and is located GET BRAIN
18 kilometres north and west of Fort MacLeod. FREEZE:
COST: $10 for adult, $22 for a family Make a point to stop at
FIND OUT MORE: head-smashed-in.com, MacKay’s in Cochrane
403-553-2731 this summer for some
shop-made ice cream.
TOP TIP: Five of Canada’s 13 UNESCO COST: $6.50 for a double
World Heritage Sites are located in Alberta.
RECOMMENDED: A
double cone, one
scoop of black cherry
and one of mango
iced cream.
SUMMER LOVIN’
Visit us online at myleapmagazine.ca to share some of your favourite
ideas for summer fun!
summer 2011 35
Research Rockstar
To
Teach
HisOWN
BY ANNALISE KLINGBEIL / PHOTOS BY 3TEN PHOTOGRAPHY
Forget textbooks, slideshows and rote

memorization, students in Dr. Scott North’s
spring oncology class learn by doing
T here was nothing stand-out about the University of Alberta lecture

hall that Shaun Loewen found himself in seven years ago. One of nearly 160
second-year medical students, Loewen watched as Dr. Scott North – slight,
bespectacled and younger than Loewen expected – entered the room. He’d be leading
the oncology class for the next four weeks.
“We bring in an actor, they put makeup on her to make
her look pale and she says ‘Hi my name is Mrs. Jones and
I’m really tired all the time,’” says 41-year-old North, an
associate professor of oncology at the University of
Alberta and medical oncologist at Edmonton’s Cross
Typically dressed in a collared shirt and khakis, no lab coat or tie, North would Cancer Institute.
occasionally lead students through PowerPoint presentations, sans notes. His lectures At the conclusion of the four-week course, Loewen
were concise and informative, so much so that one of Loewen’s colleagues still uses had learned an incredible amount, thanks to the guests
notes from North’s oncology class today. But it was the times when North wasn’t that North often brought to class.“We learn throughout
standing in front of the classroom that Loewen remembers the best. medical school but his course was definitely the most
In other medical school courses students may receive a piece of paper explaining a memorable,” says Loewen. North teaches his students
situation they must solve. For example, 50-year-old Mrs. Jones is complaining of lessons a textbook simply can’t by making use of actors
feeling tired and fatigued and her husband says she looks pale. North’s class is different. and guest speakers and engaging students in practice

North began instructing as a resident in 1997, under a
program director who advocated to his residents the
importance of teaching. North was inspired to get his master’s
degree in health professions education and, in April 2002, he
took over the spring oncology course, which introduces
second-year medical students to the field of cancer care.
“You have to remember when you’re teaching in any area,
but specifically in medicine, that there is no way that you
can teach the learner everything that they need to know
about a subject,” says North. He strives to teach students
the fundamentals and necessary tools to understand the
principles behind a concept. “You don’t teach somebody to
memorize what kind of chemotherapy to give to treat breast
cancer, rather you teach them about principles of staging
and the type of cancer and the patient factors and then they
can use that information to constantly update themselves
about what’s going on in the field.”
North’s passion for the field of oncology was spurred by a
simple comment that he would be good at the job in his 1996
exit interview, during his first clinical rotation as a second-
year oncology resident at Edmonton’s Cross Cancer
Institute. “Whether or not you’re a physician, an engineer
or you dig ditches for a living, if somebody tells you you’d be
good at this job, that matters so much more than whether or
not you think you’d be good at the job,” says North. “You
don’t really know what the job is,
they do.”
The cancer care advocate is
North finds ways to teach his
motivated by a desire to improve students lessons a textbook
situations. “If they realize once the patient leaves ‘Oh, we
forgot to ask this question’, then they’ll never forget to ask
the patient experience. “I want the
providers who are graduating with
simply can’t.
this question again,” says North. Actors allow students to medical training nowadays to be
practice a variety of skills including giving bad news to a comfortable dealing with cancer
patient in a tactful and respectful way, time management patients,” says North. He’s been teaching the oncology
and learning to work while being observed. course for almost a decade and says of a typical class of 160
North’s teaching philosophy is one of enabling students, perhaps only three will become cancer specialists
students to learn – setting up the optimal conditions – in medical or radiation oncology, but more than 60 will
and it’s a philosophy that recently landed him a become family doctors.
prestigious 3M National Teaching Fellowship award, “Part of my passion for (teaching) is knowing that I’ve got
Canada’s top award for university professors, in March. a good group of colleagues out there, who are going to take
“It’s not about teaching so much as it is about learning,” good care of patients when I can’t do all that work myself,”
says North. “Learning is an active thing that the individual says North. North estimates that in Alberta there are more
has to do. I consider myself a facilitator, not necessarily than 100,000 people who have or have had cancer and only
the person who’s going to stand up there and say, ‘I need 100 physicians who are radiation and medical oncologists.
you to memorize these 10 things.’” This disparity means all doctors must be comfortable dealing
The oncology course also includes psycho-social with cancer. It’s an idea that is echoed by Sandy Moser, a
teaching. For example, following a breast cancer lecture, retired nurse, who has acted in North’s oncology class for
North will talk about body image and how a woman’s sense several years. “Everybody who goes through his class, if they
of herself may be negatively impacted by a mastectomy. listen to him carefully, they’re going to be able to deal with
“The problem with traditional medical curriculum,” says oncology whether they go into the field or not,” says Moser.
North, “is it’s very heavy on the science and less on the art of Moser, who has seen her share of instructors while acting
medicine.” in medical school courses at the University of Alberta, was

Research Rockstar
ABREAST OF CHANGE
Some women dread breast examinations, but not
Sandy Moser. The retired nurse works as a stan-
dardized patient in Dr. Scott North’s oncology
class, helping to teach second-year medical stu-
dents how to give a patient a breast examination.
“You have to be an old broad who doesn’t get
embarrassed anymore to go ahead and let the
students learn how to do a proper breast exam on
you,” says Moser.
Moser has worked as a standardized patient in
University of Alberta classes for more than a
decade. A standardized patient is a person who
has been trained to realistically reproduce the his-
tory, physical findings and personality of an actual
patient for the benefit of students.
In Dr. North’s oncology class she also acts as a
thrilled to hear North had won the 3M Fellowship. “Dr. North almost can’t be equalled,” patient who has cancer and is about to receive
says Moser. “You get to my age and you’ve seen a lot of instructors. He’s got to be the top of very bad news from her doctors. Moser is typically
the heap. He’s got this magical ability to be kind to everyone, which is difficult. He’s put in a room alongside an examiner, students
exceedingly kind to the students, very kind to us actors and incredibly kind to the examiners. then come into the room one at a time to give the
He has one mode and that is kindness.” bad news and Moser must show shock, grief, dis-
Former student Loewen says North’s memorable course inspired him to pursue oncology. may and whatever other emotions feel natural.
“You could just tell he really loved what he was doing,” says Loewen, who is finishing his final “Amazingly, I find I can burst into tears 20 times in
year of residency in radiation oncology at the Cross Cancer Institute. “He’s a great teacher and a row,” says Moser.
he’s really a visionary.” Loewen says working with patients who have a terminal diagnosis can While Moser says the exercise is difficult for all
be a daunting concept for medical students to embrace, and one that North was able to make involved, she sees it as essential in preparing stu-
less intimidating by including actors and guest speakers in his classes. dents to tell patients similar news, in a kind and
North says there’s a huge sense of satisfaction when he sees students understand caring matter, once they leave the classroom.
something they previously struggled with. “If you do a good job teaching somebody, Helping students learn, by acting as a standard-
they’re going to go out and teach the next person. You’re helping to keep the ball rolling ized patient, is important to Moser. “When I grad-
and to keep everybody globally educated.” uated (from nursing) in 1963, we had no such
And while students such as Loewen have chosen to pursue oncology, hundreds of others thing. We had a plastic dummy that we could
who have not specialized in the field of cancer have learned to be comfortable working with practice on,” says Moser. “I would have loved to
cancer patients. “I want (students) to look at oncology as a specialty that maybe they would had standardized patients to try out my skills on,
consider,” says North. “But, even if they don’t want to consider it, at least I want them to before I actually got into the general population. I
walk away from the course feeling a little bit more confident, that they can deal with people think it’s one of the most ingenious ideas yet.”
who’ve got cancer.”

Treat
the
WHOLE
Patient BY CAITLIN CRAWSHAW
Can identifying and

treating depression
improve the quality or
lengthen the life of patients
with metastatic cancer?
B y the age of 24, Janine Giese-Davis

had lost her father, uncle and husband
to cancer and, over the years, she’d
known many other people with cancer. Now a
self-described “researcher and patient advo-
cate,” these tragic experiences led her to pursue
psychological research as a means of helping
cancer patients and survivors.

Treat the Whole Patient
“I’d been on many sides of people living and dying with with breast cancer in group and individual therapy. Now
cancer, and I felt that if I turned my career in that direction, an associate professor in the Department of Oncology,
I wouldn’t just be a researcher – I’d be someone who Division of Psychosocial Oncology, at the University of
intimately knew the family standpoint and what might Calgary, Giese-Davis found growing evidence that
matter to regular people,” she says. She became depression might negatively impact survival with cancer.
a researcher and clinician at Stanford University’s She wanted to find out more.
Psychiatry Department and worked with many women A cancer diagnosis can trigger a depressive episode. It’s
the start of an emotional journey that closely parallels the
stages of grief. It begins with shock and disbelief, and grad-
What Giese-Davis found in her ually moves towards reconciliation with mortality and a
greater sense of oneself. But how each person responds to
research was interesting – and the diagnosis can vary.
relevant to patients: Could “Many people go on to live happier lives than they did
before,” says Giese-Davis. Others, however, find them-
treating depression help a person selves mired in depression, especially without the sup-
with cancer live longer?

port of a counsellor, group therapy or an understanding depression was considered par for the course, but today
family. And depression isn’t just unhealthy for the mind it is common for Canadian doctors to screen patients for
– it’s bad for the body, too. In a past-literature review, signs of distress, says Giese-Davis, and many oncologists
Giese-Davis and a colleague found that chronic or severe refer their patients to psychological services. But some
depression predicted early death in cancer patients; still prefer to stick to medical issues, she says, maybe
other studies confirm this. because they feel it’s outside of their area of expertise.
Knowing that depression and death from cancer are cor- However, for patients who aren’t inclined to seek treat-
related isn’t particularly helpful to clinicians or patients. ment on their own, this can mean they’re not treated at
What Giese-Davis found much more interesting – and rel- all. “I think there are many more people who could ben-
evant to patients – was the question of whether treating efit from some sort of therapy or support than seek it
depression could help a person with cancer live longer. out,” says Giese-Davis.
This was the impetus for a recently published study Study co-author Collie hopes that this study will moti-
she co-authored with Dr. David Spiegel, a well-known vate more doctors to be on the lookout for signs of mental
Stanford University psychiatrist, and a number of other illness. “I want oncologists to be more sensitive to this,”
clinicians, including Edmonton’s Dr. Kate Collie. The she says, “and aware that treating or not treating depres-
study followed 125 women with metastatic breast cancer sion could be a life-and-death matter.”
living in the San Francisco Bay area. These women par- She thinks that this study, and others that demonstrate
ticipated in group therapy. health outcomes associated with treating depression, will
Their study, published in the February 2011 issue of encourage medical professionals to be on the lookout for
The Journal of Clinical Oncology, tracked the women for 14 signs of depression. Putting mental health into the medical
years and found that decreasing their depression symp- context “makes it a broader picture” – and perhaps some-
toms during the first year was associated with longer sur- thing doctors can better relate to. “So, people who gener-
vival rates. While the study had a limited scope (breast ally think about the physiological dimensions of cancer can
cancer patients) and focused only on one intervention be thinking about this too,” says Collie.
(group therapy), it’s good news for all cancer patients. Collie points out that mental health care for cancer
Depression is an illness with a wide range of treatments, patients will also become a greater priority as more people
says Giese-Davis. “People can do many things to recover are surviving cancer and the “culture” of care evolves.
from depression, from taking anti-depressants, receiv-
ing support from friends and family, seeking therapy,
going to church, exercising,” she says. “A lot of treat-
ments are effective in decreasing depression levels.”
Putting mental health into
This study found that it didn’t mat- the medical context makes it
ter what patients did to reduce their
depression, only that they reduced
something doctors can better
it over the first year from diagnosis. relate to.
This study is positive news for
patients and their families, but
isn’t license for loved ones or doc- “Cancer is now seen more as a chronic disease. That
tors to nag them to look on the changes everything: it changes the amount of money being
bright side, Giese-Davis warns. put into cancer research and research topics” Collie says.
“The frustrating thing for many Assessing and, where necessary, treating patients for signs
patients is that they feel really afraid, angry and sad at of depression may become another tool to help manage the
first, and everyone around them is trying to get them to disease and improve its outcomes.
think positively. Usually it drives them deeper into their
depression,” she says. “We don’t think you need to
think positively, but if you are depressed, you need to Find out more! Giese-Davis’ study can
seek help to resolve the depression.” be found in the Feb. 1, 2011, issue of
It’s only recently that the importance of the mental The Journal of Oncology (Volume 29,
health care of cancer patients has come to the fore. Often, Number 4). jco.ascopubs.org

Top Job
Lisa Belanger is part motivator, part friend,

part personal trainer and all cancer researcher
BY DEBBIE OLSEN / PHOTOS BY KELLY REDINGER
I t is Thursday morning and the fitness facility

where Lisa Belanger works is humming with activ-
ity. Two women are vigorously working out in the
aerobic area of the gym – one on a treadmill and the
other on an elliptical trainer. While a trainer monitors
is also a student working on a PhD in Physical
Education and Recreation at the University of Alberta.
In this gym, she is a cancer researcher.
“Studies have shown that physical activity improves
health-related quality of life, both in individuals
progress in their exercise regimen, the pair is busy undergoing cancer treatment and those who’ve com-
socializing. pleted it,” explains Belanger. “Some of the best
When Deborah Amero walks in, Belanger’s face research is taking place right here in Alberta. It’s on
lights up and the two women begin discussing the lat- the correlation between physical activity and cancer
est events in their lives as Amero puts on her gym prevention, improvement in treatment, and long-
shoes and straps on a heart monitor. Before long, term improvement in quality of life and maintenance
Belanger has gathered Amero’s exercise plan and is of disease-free status.”
busy encouraging her as she goes through her fitness At the gym, people are coming and going. Belanger
program, which begins with interval training on a explains that, at this time, there are two research proj-
treadmill and ends with resistance training in the ects going on in the facility; both being led by Dr. Kerry
facility’s weight room. S. Courneya. As a PhD student, Belanger spends at
On the surface, this fitness centre seems like an least 12 hours each week in the gym working closely
ordinary athletic club, but it is actually a research facil- with project participants.
ity where cancer researchers analyze the effects of One project involves people such as Deborah Amero
exercise on cancer patients both during treatment and who have recently undergone treatment for colorectal
following it. Lisa Belanger is a certified trainer, but she cancer. At the recommendation of an oncologist,

SUPPORT TEAM: Lisa Belanger is a cancer researcher
who knows the importance of supporting her clients.

Top Job
those who’ve completed chemotherapy and radiation ment in a group of breast cancer patients. Participants commit to work out in the facility
treatment and are declared cancer-free are followed for three times per week while undergoing treatment. Researchers like Belanger set up indi-
three years to determine the effects of exercise on dis- vidual programs and monitor the effects of the physical activity. Early results of the
ease-free survivorship. Physical activity has been linked research indicate that exercise is helping participants cope better with chemotherapy
to cancer prevention and researchers believe that those and they are experiencing fewer delays and setbacks in their treatment.
who develop active lifestyles will remain free of disease “I was feeling so ill last week after my chemo treatment and I tried everything I could
longer. To ensure the accuracy of the results, almost 1,000 think of to overcome the symptoms – from hot baths to ginger-ale,” says Janis Clegg, a
people will be participating in a coordi- young mother of two who is partici-
nated program through more than 17 “The side-effects of chemotherapy pating in the program. “I had com-
cancer centres in Canada and Australia. mitted to go to the gym three times
After three years of close monitoring and
treatment are very hard to handle at per week, so I dragged myself in here.
mentorship in the gym, researchers will times,” says patient Janis Clegg, “but I was surprised when I discovered
follow participants for 10 years. exercise is helping me tolerate it better.” that after I got on the treadmill I start-
Being a participant means coming to ed feeling better. The side-effects of
the gym at least once a week and working chemotherapy treatment are very
with Belanger as a fitness coach. It’s a big commitment, hard to handle at times, but exercise is helping me tolerate it better.”
but Amero sees it as a great opportunity. “When I was When Belanger is not in the gym coaching participants, writing exercise plans, and
going through chemo, I didn’t want to do anything,” analysing data, she spends her time working on her graduate project – a study on the
Amero says. “I thought this would be a good way to get effects of exercise on the quality of life of young adult cancer survivors. As part of her
back my muscle tone, but it’s done so much more. I have a thesis project, she is creating an exercise guidebook for young adult cancer survivors and
lot more energy since I started exercising. It’s great to will be following up by analyzing the effects of this guidebook in motivating young adults
have access to this kind of support. By the end of the three to stay active.
years, I’m going to be very fit.” “I love my job,” she says. “This research is so important, because it deals with ways to
The second project taking place in the facility is analyz- improve quality of life for people who have had cancer. It’s not enough just to survive the
ing the effects of exercise during chemotherapy treat- disease – I want to make people’s lives better.”
PERSONAL TOUCH: Program participants

benefit from Belanger’s mentorship as much
as her expertise.

WHEEL
LIFE Gentlemen, don’t start your engines. Instead, get
reacquainted with the thrill of the bike commute.
It’s easier than you think.
BY CAIT WILLS
S ometimes you can’t win for trying.

Layne Mitchell, who has been riding to and from work for the last three
years as a means to keep fit and save money, came face-to-face with a
cyclist’s worst nightmare when a vehicle turning into a parking lot didn’t see him
and hit him square on.
GREAT ROUTE NO. 1:
THE RIVER VALLEY
ROUTE, EDMONTON
• Crossing the North

Saskatchewan River six
“I was mowed over!” he jokes, but vehicle-bicycle collisions are no laughing mat- times, it’s a 28-
ter. In fact, fear of being hit is one of the biggest deterrents to people who are inter- kilometre-long trek
ested in riding but are unsure of where to start. • Route includes 10
municipal parks, the
But Sean Carter, owner of BikeBike, “Calgary’s everyday bike store,” says hitting the Muttart Conservatory,
road isn’t as difficult as you may think, and it sure as heck shouldn’t be intimidating. the High Level Bridge,
“Many of our customers concentrate on commuting,” says the ex-racer who has Alberta Legislature,
University of Alberta,
been “car-free” for the last 18 months. He uses a bicycle for everything from getting Fort Edmonton Park,
his son to school and soccer to picking up groceries. “All it takes is planning,” which Rundle Park, the Valley
he says is the key to successful urban riding, be it to work or as a leisurely ride. Zoo and the Whitemud
Nature Reserve
Mitchell, an Edmonton radio show personality, agrees. Because of his afternoon
drive-home-show air time, his commute falls outside the rush hour. But, he says, that
doesn’t mean traffic isn’t a concern.
“My route can be a nightmare,” he says, explaining how his daily 40-kilometre
round-trip route includes about eight kilometres of bike path, but also requires sev-
eral blocks of navigating six lanes of traffic on one of Alberta’s busiest streets:
Edmonton’s Gateway Boulevard.

“I try to avoid it at
GREAT ROUTE NO. 2: all costs,” he says
TELFORD LAKE, LEDUC
but, because of the loca-
• A level, 10 kilometre- tion of his job “in
long path that follows a Edmonton’s majestic
semi-natural park near used hubcap district,”
downtown Leduc
there are some streets GREAT ROUTE NO. 4:
• Winds from the
Edmonton International that don’t even have THE TRANSCANADA
Airport to the west border sidewalks, never mind muting, I recommend that the bike is comfortable TRAIL, CALGARY
of Leduc
bike paths or lanes. and fulfils the specific needs of that rider. Some of
• A 67-kilometre trek
Despite the chal- the factors to consider when choosing a bike include through downtown Calgary
lenges of getting to and from work safely and enjoyably. the distance you’ll be travelling and whether, for along the Bow River
Mitchell has done the right thing when it comes to assess- instance, you want to wear business clothes to work.” • Direct access to the
downtown core’s hotels
ing his needs. And while Mitchell is not a new rider, his Those types of decisions, he says, will play into whether and the Hi-Calgary City
experience demonstrates that planning is everything, for you will need a pannier and a rack on the bike (for the Centre hostel
all levels of rider, says Carter. office attire to stay crisp and fresh en route), a back- • Passes the Inglewood Bird
“When you’re new to riding, it’s extremely important to pack or just a basket to hold your lunch. Sanctuary, Weaselhead
Natural Environment Park,
test your route before you start; that’s one of the things While a helmet isn’t legally required for those Fish Creek Provincial Park,
that will help determine what equipment and level of com- over 18 in the province, St. Albert has a bylaw that Fort Calgary, Heritage Park
fort you need,” he says. “Treat it as a fun ride and you’ll extends the requirement to cyclists of all ages. • Other attractions on the
route: Calgary Zoo,
avoid any nasty surprises.” And research has shown that wearing a helmet Canada Olympic Park,
Another way to decreases the risk of brain injury in case of a colli- Calgary Stampede,
address concerns Glenbow Museum
GREAT ROUTE NO. 3:
THE WASKASOO PARK about getting to and
TRAIL SYSTEM, RED DEER
from wherever you’re
• An all-asphalt 29-
going is to consider CYCLE THE WEB
kilometre-long route, some professional
albertabicycle.ab.ca
passing Discovery Canyon help—professional
and McKenzie Ponds The Alberta Bicycle Association offers the Can-Bike
bicycling help, that is. programs as well as events throughout the province,
• The Lion’s Campground club memberships and news you can use.
is on the route, making it The Alberta Bicycle
the perfect weekend jaunt Association has two
programs the ordinary bikecalgary.org
“BikeCalgary.org exists to inform, educate and inspire
rider can take advan- cyclists in Calgary. On this site you’ll find information
tage of. Can-Bike I is a course for inexperienced cyclists or on good and bad routes for cycle commuting, and
those who haven’t ridden recently. Some of the aspects of forums for discussing those routes. There’s also infor-
mation on bike advocacy initiatives both in Calgary and
the program include learning how to signal, stop, shoulder elsewhere. And we’ll try to provide information for the
check and ride in a straight line. Students also learn to beginning commuter, or would-be cycle commuter,
check their bikes prior to riding, route planning, obstacle such as a list of bike buddies you can call upon.”
avoidance, lane changes and other commuting techniques.
bikely.com
Can-Bike II is geared towards increasing a cyclist’s confi-
This site allows the user to search out urban and
dence through building on the skill sets established in the rural routes around the province based on location
first class, and includes emergency stops and turns, rock- and distance. The best part? Users often leave tid-
bits (“Don’t forget to stop in Turner Valley for the
dodging and lane positioning. The association also offers a best burger in Alberta at the Chuckwagon restau-
weekend program for youth, where children learn how to rant”), which can go a long way to helping you
signal, to stop, to shoulder check, and to ride in a straight choose where to ride.
line. The whole family can benefit.
City sites (edmonton.ca and calgary.ca) have bike
So you know where you want to go, but how do you get maps available on their site; just type in “bike map”
there? In comfort, says Carter. That’s key. to access the maps and related information.
“For the new rider, or someone who is interested in com-

For more information on sion or fall. There may be other bylaw criteria
in your municipality, so check before hitting GREAT ROUTE NO. 5:
cycling in Alberta, visit: the road, Carter advises.
THE BANFF LEGACY
TRAIL, BANFF
edmontonbikes.ca The most important thing, says Carter, is
bikecalgary.org the vehicle; the method of transportation is • The 26-kilometre route
canada.travelall.com/ab/act/ crucial. “The most critical piece of equip- runs from the Bow
Valley Parkway to the
hik_cycl.htm ment when deciding to ride is the bike. east gates of Banff
Picture this scenario: you decide you want to National Park
start riding after a long time. You have a 15- • When completed, it will
be part of the Trans
year-old mountain bike you haul out of the Canada Trail, the world’s
garage and want to use. The bike will need to longest recreational trail
be serviced and probably won’t fit that well, at 21,500 kilometres,
linking close to 1,000
and it probably won’t be suitable to your communities
needs. It’ll suffice, but it’s not the optimal
choice.
“If you want to ride comfortably, you need a comfortable bike.” Carter recom-
mends a European-style commuter bike with an internal gear system, full fenders
and a built-in lock; that way, he says, “you could ride to work in a business suit” with-
out worry about getting dirty.
As for Mitchell, he didn’t even let that collision (he wasn’t seriously injured)
deter him. He continues to ride seasonally – as soon as the ice is off the road
he’s on it – but he’s cautious. “Listen for cars,” he advises. “It’s easy to get sweat,
dust or bugs in your eyes. But your ears are the best way to tell you when some-
thing’s coming.”
Meet Alberta’s
cancer-free
movement
Stay current with Alberta’s
movement for cancer-free lives.
Follow us on Twitter, like us on Facebook,
or visit us online at albertacancer.ca
• Inspiring stories
• Breakthrough research
• Exciting events
• More than 200,000 powerful donors
Participate. Fundraise. Volunteer. Donate. rock ton

Nigel B
albertacancer.ca
000LP.LegacyNigel_1-2H.indd 1 5/24/11 11:57:09 AM

whyIdonate / STORIES OF GIVING
PRINT
PERFECT
The folks at ION Print Solutions knew
they could make donations to the Alberta
Cancer Foundation go farther – twice as
far, actually
BY MIFI PURVIS
This spring saw Peter and Gwen Fargey of ION Print Solutions finally finished treatment in October 2010 and set about
on an extended golf holiday in Arizona, and there was no bet- gaining his strength back.
ter time to be away, weather-wise. Thankfully, the plan they That’s why this spring’s golf trip to Arizona was especially
had hatched and set in motion with the Alberta Cancer welcome for the couple.
Foundation was ticking along quite nicely without them, dou- “Peter received wonderful care and attention at the Cross
bling the impact of every donation sent to the foundation. Cancer Institute in Edmonton,” says his wife, Gwen. “But
Now in its second year, the plan every patient is different and his
had its genesis year before last, cancer was rare. If you don’t do the
with Peter’s persistent gut ache. It ION launched a matching donation research you don’t know how to
seemed to come and go, but it
wasn’t really tied to anything he
campaign in conjunction with the treat these things.” It seemed natu-
ral that the pair would want to sup-
was eating or doing. “I took Alberta Cancer Foundation. It was port the work of Peter’s oncologist,
Tylenol for it,” says Peter, “but it one of the most successful summer Dr. Michael Sawyer, and other
always came back.” He went to the researchers in the field.
doctor and eventually, Peter, then
campaigns to date. While Peter was being treated,
67, was booked for a gastroscopy, his business partner Craig McEwen
a test in which doctors threaded a tiny camera down his throat hit upon the idea of supporting cancer research with a
to get a look at what was going on inside. The test revealed a matching donation program. The company planned an open
rare duodenal cancer. house to showcase some new equipment in the shop – ION
The only treatment available was a surgery called a is a leading printer in the province. Customers, business
Whipple, which – in Peter’s case – involved removal of the people and many friends were invited. McEwen and Gwen
bile duct, the duodenum and half of his pancreas. A serious piggybacked the fundraiser on the open house and invited
infection developed and he had to undergo two more surger- Peter’s oncologist to give a talk about his research. There
ies with the eventual removal of the remaining part of his was a silent auction in which ION’s customers and suppliers
pancreas and his spleen. When he had recovered sufficiently, donated auction items, and proceeds from the event went to
he started 12 months of chemotherapy treatments. the Alberta Cancer Foundation. “At least that’s what I heard
Complications, including a serious blood clot, meant that happened,” Peter says with a laugh. He was busy with the
doctors had to change his drug regimen a couple of times. He task of dealing with cancer treatment. ION also launched a

CHEQUE MATES: ION’s Peter Fargey (left) with
Daryl Silzer of the Alberta Cancer Foundation
and Craig McEwen of ION Print Solutions after
last year’s successful matching gift campaign.
matching donation campaign in conjunction with the foun-

dation. Earning more than $350,000, it was one of the
most successful summer campaigns to date. So successful
that the company is repeating the campaign this year.
Long-time business people, the Fargeys and McEwen
know the value of investment, and they chose to invest in
the Alberta Cancer Foundation. With their sponsorship,
donations to the foundation go twice as far. So people or
businesses who donate to the fund before July 22 will see
their donation matched by ION Print Solutions, up to
$50,000. Money raised will go to research, patient care,
and prevention and screening programs. Both Peter and
Gwen Fargey know how important research is to health-
care professionals when they’re designing treatment plans
for each patient.
Today, Peter is cancer-free, but the surgery had
consequences. “I became an instant diabetic,” he says. “I
take insulin shots four times a day – but we’re managing it
just fine.” Peter and Gwen are semi-retired, spending
DOUBLE UP
winters in Arizona and as much time as they can with their Visit albertacancer.ca before July 22 to read more about
three adult children (and their spouses) and five (soon Peter Fargey and make a donation that doubles the impact
six) grandchildren. The family business, ION Print your money would otherwise make. This program extends
Solutions, is serving not just the printing needs but also the reach of a “regular” donation, meaning that a $20
the health needs of Albertans like Peter who want a donation today will see $40 going to the Alberta Cancer
cancer-free future.
Foundation. You’ll feel twice as good about yourself
The campaign has been a huge success for the Alberta
afterwards.
Cancer Foundation. “It’s very gratifying,” Gwen says, “to
have Peter’s name associated with this campaign.”

myleap / INSPIRING INDIVIDUALS
BOY IN MOTION: Dyllan Duperron was not able to

log the Anthony Henday portion of his run on the
dangerous stretch of road, so he ran the equivalent
at the Cross Cancer Institute instead.
Highway of Hope
A 16-year-old Alberta boy recently took some steps to raise funds for the Alberta Roll-Ups. They’d usually finish up at about 3 p.m.,
Cancer Foundation – more than a million steps. checking into a hotel and having dinner before
Dyllan Duperron, a Grade 10 student from Valleyview, ran nearly 1,000 kilome- Dyllan caught up on his schoolwork or, if he was
tres this spring in a journey that took him by foot from Alberta’s southernmost lucky, soaked his sore muscles in a hot tub.
community cancer centre in Lethbridge to its northernmost one in Grande Prairie. Other family members and friends were also sup-
Cancer is a cause that has touched Dyllan’s life on more than one occasion. portive of his ambitious project. “They think it’s pret-
Family members on both sides have experienced cancer, including both paternal ty cool,” he says. According to Boni, it’s given the pair
grandparents and an aunt, all of whom recovered. Dyllan’s uncle Romeo died of some insight into the emotional roller-coaster ride
brain cancer a few years ago. “Dyllan wasn’t able to make it to his funeral and he experienced by many people with cancer. “I know it’s
always felt bad about that, so this was his way of showing that he cared,” explains not really the same, but with all the obstacles we’ve
Dyllan’s mother, Boni Duperron. had to endure trying to get this run going and keep it
Dyllan started running in mid-March and, with a two-week break halfway through, going,” she says, “we feel a small taste of the ups and
made it to his goal at the beginning of May. He hit the road at 9 a.m. each day to run downs that cancer patients must go through.” To
approximately 35 km; Boni drove alongside him, pulling over at times so Dyllan donate: visit albertacancer.ca
could have a quick lie-down on the back seat or refuel on chocolate milk and Fruit – Robin Schroffel

Join this
amazing journey!
Register to Walk endcancer.ca

877.394.WALK (9255)
Make this a weekend you’ll never forget. A Weekend to remember those we have lost,
and celebrate the lives we are saving each day. A Weekend creating hope for the future
as we journey together towards the ultimate goal: a cure for all women’s cancers.
This is the Shoppers Drug Mart Weekend to End Women’s Cancers™ benefiting the
®
Alberta Cancer Foundation. Be part of our groundbreaking movement in the quest to

end breast and gynecologic cancers.
Make this Weekend matter!

The Weekend to End Women’s Cancers is a trademark of Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation, used under license; Shoppers Drug Mart/PHARMAPRIX is a registered trademark of 911979 Alberta Ltd., used under license.
EPIC RIDE. EPIC IMPACT.
Don’t stop fundraising now! You’ve come so far but it’s time to
push yourself into high gear. It’s never too late to do something EPIC
NATIONAL TITLE SPONSOR
in the battle against cancer. If you’re a Rider, ask for a donation
today! If you’re not a Rider, make an impact by donating to a specific
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To make a donation and learn more about The Ride visit

CONQUERCANCER.CA [888] 624 -BIKE [2453]

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EACH ONE, TEACH ONE POP A WHEELIE

DR. SCOTT NORTH’S BIKE COMMUTING

Cancer patients take a

Join us. Donate today. o r c y c l e Ride

ON THE COVER: Mike Lang, PHOTO: Brittany Merriﬁeld

DEPARTMENTS 16 PLANNING FAMILY

12 BODYMIND 24 NO PITY PARTY

39 TREAT THE WHOLE PATIENT

Alber ta’s cancer-free movement summer 2011 3

4 summer 2011 myleapmagazine.ca

ALBERTA CANCER FOUNDATION

EDITORIAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE

VENTURE PUBLISHING INC.

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Linda Carlson, Caitlin Crawshaw,

For those facing cancer today, in honour of those

The information in this publication is not meant to be a substitute for professional

Printed in Canada by Transcontinental LGM.

Alber ta’s cancer-free movement

6 summer 2011 myleapmagazine.ca

NOT BUDGING: Cancer survival rates have

LATER LOOK: Detection often happens later.

Alber ta’s cancer-free movement summer 2011 7

First Person: Pigeon Lake Pedal

8 summer 2011 myleapmagazine.ca

Give the gift

Fred died in May of 20 08, but his leadership continues.

Find out how you can promise

000LP.FredC_1-2H.indd 1 5/25/11 12:17:31 PM

Pick up your free copy of My journey

Tom Baker Cancer Centre:

Cross Cancer Institute:

For those facing • Cancer Information Centre

cancer today… Associate cancer centres:

• Medicine Hat Cancer Centre

000LP.LegacyForThose_1-2H.indd 1 5/24/11 4:30:45 PM

What is the Tomorrow Project?

Who Can Join?

Enroll in Alberta’s Tomorrow Project Now

For more InFormaTIon or To joIn The sTudy

Cancer patients sometimes joke that this is the only

12 summer 2011 myleapmagazine.ca

washed and cut veggies in see-through

Alber ta’s cancer-free movement summer 2011 13

YOU’VE GOT QUESTIONS

After eight months of taking tamoxifen I was told by a

Tamoxifen, which breast cancer patients take orally,

14 summer 2011 myleapmagazine.ca

Vitamin D is increasingly associated with a reduction

Ask our experts questions regarding cancer prevention

Alber ta’s cancer-free movement summer 2011 15

16 summer 2011 myleapmagazine.ca

BY TRICIA RADISON / ILLUSTRATION BY HEFF O’REILLY

C hristy Soholt and her husband Trevor had

Alber ta’s cancer-free movement summer 2011 17

Find more health in apple magazine

apple offers you and your

Visit applemag.ca and follow us on Facebook at

000LP.Apple_1-2H.indd 1 5/24/11 10:09:11 AM

Alber ta’s cancer-free movement summer 2011 19

20 summer 2011 myleapmagazine.ca

alber tacancer foundation.ca summer 2011 21

BY LINDSEY NORRIS / ILLUSTRATION BY RAYMOND REID

The world stops in the face of a cancer diagnosis.

T he year 2003 promised to be a very good one for Darren Neuberger.