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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Times Advocate, 2005-08-10, Page 9Wednesday,August 10, 2005 Exeter Times -Advocate 9 A personal story about VON's Great Community Walk Submitted By Holly Watson, VON MIDDLESEX COUNTY— In preparing for the 2005 VON Great Community Walk I couldn't help thinking about last year's event and Les's team, lead by his wife Gwen Dykeman. Everyone exhibited a noticeable camaraderie, purpose and the team's spirit was palpable! I asked Gwen if she would share her story with me. Gwen opened up her heart and I was touched to learn about the special role VON services had played in their lives. Gwen wrote, "All of us have our own reason for participating in the annu- al VON Walk. For me it is a way to honour the memory of my husband Les, who died of cancer Oct. 17, 2002. "It is ironic that I should choose to remember him by doing a walk because I could never sell him on the idea of walking. He only did a 5 km walk dur- ing hunting season because in his mind that was different. "Last year we had 16 members and we called ourselves `Les's Team'. We had frog stickers on our T-shirts to represent his love of fishing, hunt- ing, and the great out- doors. "The team consisted of family members and a couple of newcomers who were pulled in wagons. This year we will range in age from seven months to 70 years. "The 5 km walk suits our abilities and it is a great chance for a family get together. We enjoy the picnic and festivities that follow the walk and we don't have to cook! "Our team has lots of spirit and rain or shine we will be there to partic- ipate in this event that benefits so many families in our community." Gwen says the idea for Les's team came from her family and friends. Les' s sister Ruth Ann McIntyre is a volunteer with the Alzheimer Community Supports Program. She and other team members have walked before. Gwen showed me pic- tures of Les as he proudly held up 'the fish that did- n't get away.' He had won the Owen Sound Salmon Spectacular Fishing Derby. Then she showed me family photos. Gwen talked about how VON had touched their lives. She said she first met Cheryl Carroll, a vis- iting nurse from VON, in 1996 when her son Jonathan required dress- ings to be done at home. She felt comforted and reassured when Cheryl became their nurse again in 2002 after Les was diagnosed with cancer. Cheryl and Jackie Richards were Les's pri- mary nurses. Gwen commented, "We didn't have to be on a strict schedule when Les was at home. Once we came to terms with pro- viding care at home, Cheryl and Jackie encour- aged us and made it toler- able. The best person to have there is a VON nurse because they knew what we were going through. They knew just when to call the doctor and what to say to keep things under control. "CCAC even arranged for a VON nurse to visit Les up north to do a dressing so he could go on one last fishing trip in August." In a thank you note to VON in June 2003, Gwen wrote, "I saw Cheryl Carroll at a barbecue recently. I often think of her and Jackie Richards and how they were my lifeline last year at this time. They are certainly dedicated people and I will be forever grateful to them for all they did for Les and for me. "Palliative Care is such an important area and I am really glad that so much is being done to enable people to die with dignity. It was really important for Les to be able to be at home for most of his illness; with- out the VON, that would not have been possible." I asked Gwen why peo- ple should support the VON Great Community Walk. She said VON's services are really worth- while. She likes the fact that the money raised goes to local programs and in particular rural services. Gwen says people never know when they may need VON and she wants them to be there when she or her friends or her family may need them again. In addition to Nursing and Palliative Care Les Dykeman, winner of the 2000 Owen Sound Salmon Spectacular Fishing Derby, holds the 'big one that didn't get away.' Dykeman lost his battle with can- cer in October 2002. (photo/submitted) Services, the Walk also supports VON Volunteer Programs including Senior Supports (Transportation, Meals on Wheels, Friendly visiting, Adult Day Program, Exercise classes), Alzheimer's Community Supports and Family Support Programs. Gwen also told me she was impressed by the variety of people invited to participate in the VON walk. She noticed many Thames Road birthday celebrations for locals By Rhoda Rohde THAMES ROAD CORRESPONDENT THAMES ROAD — Announcements There will not be worship ser- vices during the month of August. In case of an emergency please call Larry Lynn at 229-8276, Janis Richardson at 229-6782, Murray Dawson at 238-6378 or Rev. Harry Disher at home 238- 5690. Rev. Harry will not be available for the week of Aug. 15 but Rev. Paul Ross will be avail- able at office 235-0860 or home 235-0342. During the week of Aug. 22, Rev. Harry will be avail- able by cell phone 859-5690. Sept. 4 - Regular worship ser- vice begins. Sept. 7 - Standing committees meeting at 7 p.m. followed by council meeting at 8:15 p.m. Sept. 10 - Golf and barbecue at Exeter Golf Club. South Huron Council issues an invitation to attend the Decoration Day at the Exeter Public Cemetery on Sun. Aug. 14 at 2 p.m. adjacent to the mausoleum. Guest speaker is Rev. Susan Moore. Everyone is wel- come. In case of rain, service will be at the Caven Presbyterian Church at 68 Main St. S. in Exeter. Personals Sympathy of the community is extended to the Miller families in the passing of their cousin the late Dr. Melvin Belsheim. He was the husband of Helen (Blackwell) Belsheim. Bill and Rhonda Rohde were Friday evening supper guests with Doug & Judy Rohde and their family to cel- ebrate Doug's 55th birthday on August 5th. Doug has been laid up for over 3 weeks with Cellulitis in his leg. Happy Birthday Doug. Several from this area attended the open house for the 70th Birthday of Bill Gibson at Hensall United Church on Sunday after- noon. Happy Birthday Bill. THAMES ROAD NEWS Receive a FREE HEmi® stainless steel travel mug* with package purchase. *While quantities last. Iwo senior women and was pleased the walk criteria was flexible and inclusive for everyone. Gwen's most personal reason for walking is in memory of Les. It gives the family a chance to get together and share their stories and love for Les and one another. She tells me she's sure he would have wanted them to walk for VON. Who will you walk for? Join us for fitness, food, advertisers.... Pay By Phone! We gladly accept payment for your account by Visa or Mastercard. call 519-235-1331 Sue Rollings today. TIMES ADVOCATE entertainment and a great day of family fun at the 6th Annual VON Great Community Walk Sun. Aug. 28, 2005. 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