We had our second annual Radiothon of Hope the week of Oct.
24 on our EZ Rock 105.3FM. Anyone who tuned in on those days
had their hearts torn from hearing one story, only to have it
lifted with another.
People who have been through (or going through) their own
cancer journey took the time to sit in front of the microphone
and share their stories, in the hope that it would help raise
money for cancer research in Northern Ontario.
Although the main focus was to raise money, it changed some
peoples lives forever because it showed the side of cancer that
we don't always see. 
We have all been touched by cancer and we have seen the
downside of it, as it ripped dreams to shreds.  We've seen
families split because of the tremendous strain.  We've
seen some turn to religion and those who never get past the
anger.  But, like an iceberg, those emotions are only the
part you can see.  Those who shared their journeys showed
that the good stuff is below the surface.
Their stories spoke of courage they never realized.  Love
and support they never thought possible.  Hope and faith,
they would never think of achieving. 
They spoke of how their love was never crippled by it. 
They showed us how they never allowed it to invade their souls
and how it could never steal eternal life.  When friends
became closer and families ever so much more, a family.
 
They showed us that cancer is only a word.
Throughout the three days, one of the songs that got a lot of
airtime was Calling All Angels.  This whole exercise was
broadcast from the cancer centre, where angels hang out.
You see, it's the angels who work, or volunteer, there that
give compassion a whole new meaning.  Although they are
all professionals, and it may be their calling, it takes
someone really special to make hope and faith the biggest part
of their daily aspirations.
I am proud to know them and call them my friends and they have
become like my second family.
All the emotions that were shared through that microphone were
generally followed by a song that fit the story and gave it
that little extra feeling that pulled at the
heartstrings.  That took tremendous planning and
dedication. 
The radio announcers who pulled it off were absolute
professionals that made you feel like you were there with
them.  They will be, forever, changed by the tremendous
compassion they experienced.
They said a lot of wonderful things, but the one that stayed
with me was, "We don't want to see you here, but if you do get
cancer, there is no place we'd rather be than at this
centre." 
The money raised bested last year's amount.   This
shows me that we have more than our share of  caring
people. To our special angels at the cancer centre, I say thank
you from all of us.
