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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Huron Expositor, 1984-05-09, Page 3NEWS AND FEATURES TWE HON EPQ, SO�, MAY AY 9, 1984 54 -- A$ Many survive cancer/fighf month i was waiting for the operation but my family was very supportive;" she says. Marian now has a yearly pap test she wouldp't miss. "If 1 could save just one person by telling her to have a pap test ... look at what she wouldn't have to go through," she says. TWO WEEKS TO LIVE • Almost 34 years ago; Betty's husband wee. told she had two weeks to a month to live after a specialist in London looked at the lump between her breasts on her chest bone. 'They decided it was best I didn't know but 1 knew in my own heart. When the doctor said it was worse than he expected, I said, 'It isn't cancer, is it?' I had a four-year-old daughter and a six -month-old son at home," she says. Betty had an operation and went through a series of 18 deep x-ray treatments but a check-up a month later showed the lump was still there. A mix-up between doctors delayed the treatment for another three months and when Betty saw a doctor, the lump was gone. Whatever you go through in your life can make you or break you. Through it all, it was difficult but I have a faith from going through it," she says. "1 used to plan weeks and weeks in advance but Life is so much better when you live it every day." PRIORITIES CHANGE Shirley agrees that her life changed after her experience with cancer. "You change your priorities; you make your choices. i don't spread myself as thinly as I once did." Early detection is the key to survival with cancer, says Helen. After she found a lump Four Seaforth women have proven that life can and does go on after a cancer diagnosis. Marian, Betty, Shirley and Helen are survivors who have lived from 16 to 34 years after their cancer was first discovered and they're convinced there are 1009's of others just like them. One woman and I were telling our stories at the clinic in London and we said the cancer society should have a huge parade for all the survivors of cancer. There'd be 1000's of us. You hear much more of the dead than the living," says Shirley, who discovered she had cancer of the cervix 20 years ago. With children ages five and seven at the time, Shirley always thought she was too busy to get sick but looking back she says she'd had some warning signals for about five years. "I'd had a difficult birth when i was 35 and 1 felt grey from the inside out. 1 took vitamins and iron and finally went to my family doctor. He had a terrible look on his face when he finished examining me; he immediately went to the telephone and called a specialist in London saying, 'I have a girl here with cancer. I want you to look at her,' " she says. During a seven week stay in hospital, she underwent three series of cobalt treatments (similar to a Targe and powerful x-ray) and two D and C's. "i spent a great deal of time in the chapel or on the roof; that's where I'd be if they couldn't find me. And, I could scarcely walk 1 was so burnt and swollen on the inside," she says. When the time came for Shirley to go home, she didn't want to since she had built up a feeling of being safe and dependent in the hospital. She spent a lot of time talking_ to other patients who were having a hard time. I think you can live a lot longer if you have the will to live. One woman dtdn't want to die because she knew the woman her husband would marry if she died. So, she didn't let him marry her - she lived. I kept saying 'Body, heal thyself' " to myself," she says. Check-ups for Shirley went from every three weeks to every month and then to every two months until now she travels to London for a check-up every three years. Part of her recovery, she attributes to positive thinking. "My daughter came home one day and said, 'You know mother, so-and-so says you're going to die.' Right then, I said to myself, 'We'll show her,' " Shirley says. A BELIEVER Another believer in positive thinking is Marian who discovered she had cancer of the cervix in 1968. "If you had to choose between you and the doctor who healed you, I think it's you who does a lot of the healing," she says. When a pap test came back abnormal, Marian was referred to a gynecologist in Kitchener who discovered cancer with a biopsy. Marian says the discovery knocked her for a loop. After the biopsy in July, no cancer showed up again during monthly pap tests until November. Marian refused to have a hysterectomy operation until Dec. 28 because she wanted to spend Christmas at home. "You couldn't live with me during that Free seeds for gardens in MAY 9, 1884 Samuel Wallace who was injured by his horse running away while he was coming down the hill at Egmondville, two weeks ago, is now sufficiently recovered to be around again. Jas. Broadfoot of the Mill Road has rented the front 50 acres of Alex McCartney's farm and pays $200 a year for it. Mr. Broadfoot now works 250 acres of land. Mr. McCartney left for Kansas this week where he has purchased a large farm, Dr. James Gray, son of Mrs. Gray of the Mill Road has received the appointment of superintendent of the General Hospital. The Walton Cheese Factory will open on Monday next and the milk drawers will go their rounds. The directors hope that all interested will take notice and have their milk in order as they intend to draw every second day for some time. MAY 7, 1909 While working in P. Aments saw mill in Brussels last Thursday, Angus Campbell was struck on the face by a slab thrown from the saw, which rendered him unconscious tor a time. His right cheek bone was staved in and IN THE YEARS AGONE his eyelid badly cut, besides other bruises. On Monday night about 9:30, the stable on Mrs. Neil McLauchlin's lot in Brussels was almost burned to the ground. It was c: se J by the upsetting of a lantern which was hanging on a peg on the wall. R.J. McLauchlin was going past it with a forkful of hay to his horse when the accident occurred. He had Jest time to get the horse out before the entire building was on fire. His rigs were in the outbuildings and escaped damage. The stable was a fairly good -one and the loss will be about $800. with an insurance of $170. on the building and contents. Robert McMillan of Hullett has purchased the fine brick residence of Mrs, B.B. Gunn of Seaforth. Mrs. Gunn does not give up possession until Sept. MAY 11, 1934 John McKenzie was elected president of the Seaforth Badmintou Club for the ensuing year al the annual meeting of members in the B LOO D ROM PAGE ONE and plasma. Blood, collected through the donor clinics, is separated into these components by the Red Cross Regional Transfusion Centre Laboratory. Each component has a specific use and a specific lifespan. Red cetis. for instance, are after trauma or surgery to increase red cell mass in a patient's blood. in a frozen state. red blood cells can be stored up to 10 years, but because of the high demand for the blood component, there is frequently a shortage supply. White cells help to combat infection. Platelets are an extremely sensitive. and limited components of wide blood. Platelets can only be kept for five days, but their use is essential to correct bleeding disorders particularly in leukemia sufferers. Platelets are coagulant agents and they provide a mechanism for clotting that helps to control bleeding. in the London area platelets are even collected on a daily basis from specific donors, for specific patients whose tissue make-up is identical. the size of a marble in one of her breasts 18 years ago, Helen had a mastectomy. Though she had no other treatments, she returned to the hospital for check-ups every three months, then every six months to a year and now every couple of years. After her mastectomy, Helen found it difficult to face people but because she was working in a store, she had to overcome her fears. She agrees with the others that a positive attitude helped her get better. _ "My oldest daughter was getting mar- ried that year. She visited me in the hospital and said, 'Mom, you've got to get well. We've got to go shepping for a wedding dress,' says Helen. Sometimes the fear of cancer continues. Helen says she was afraid to examine her other breast at first for fear she might find another lurtlp but most of the time the cancer is out of her mind. Shirley says her daughter is also quite concerned that her chances of getting cancer have increased after her mother's experience. All four women agree that more people areewilling to talk about cancer than ever before but that.some• are still afraid to even say the word, cancer. But, stories about the survivors help educate the public about cancer. I was talking to an elderly man who had cancer and when 1 told him I'd had cancer he couldn't believe it. He said, 'It's good to see you looking so good,' " says Betty. "It's great to hear about people getting better." (Editor's Note: The four Seaforth area ladies requested their last names not be used in the article.) club rooms on Monday evening. The nteeting was preceeded by a keenly contested tournament which was won by J. Cluff and S, Dorrance. Mr. E.H. Goudie, Silver Creek Dairy, has purchased from Mr. A.C. Rutledge two fine Jersey cows, which he has added to his already splendid herd. Announcement is made that the Relief Committee will again provide garden seeds for all those unable to purchase them in order that families may grow their own vegetables. There are several garden plots available for those who have no gardens or who require further space. The committee further advises that people who make no endeavor to grow their own vegetables, need not apply to the Relief Committee, next fall and winter for supplies. MAY 8.1959 • The business of Huron Wholesale was sold 1934 this week to Gordon Beuttenmiller of Stratford. Owned by W. Orland Johnston the business serves the retail trade throughout Huron County. Included in the sale is the residence and warehouse on Sperling Street. Mr. and Mrs. Beuttenmiller and their family of two small sons will move here next week. "After three years of hard work, Seaforth Fall Fair has attained class "B" status. Seaforth is the only fair in Huron with B rating. Only other nearby fairs of this category are Mitchell, Stratford and Tees - water. Smith Shoe Store has been sold to S.D. Smyth & Son, George Smyth of Mitchell. In charge of the stot:e will be James Glasglow of Mitchell. Mr. Glasglow has moved to Seaforth. With the thought of improving the appearance of farms from the road, Seaforth Junior Farmers are this year sponsoring a farm entrance improvement contest. Merton Keyes was named chairman of the committee in charge of the contest with Bob Fothering- ham, secretary and Bruce Coleman in charge of publicity. John Jury, area manager for blood donor recruitment. said that many people are amazed to learn how their blood donations are used. Only a decade ago the separation of blood components was not a developed arca, but in the past two to 10 years. great strides have been made in this area of medical technology. While the technology behind blood use has changed drastically in the past decade, so too has the role of the blood donor. "The spirit of giving has changed. Now livelihoods are more important and people are more complacent. They expect blood to be in supply at the hospital," said Mr. Jury. However, blood cannot be supplied. unless there are people who are willing to donate. While fewer people are taking the time to give blood, "the need hasn't gone away." he said, In the Clinton-Seaforth area the Red Cross has an active donor list of 380. These are people who have given blood in the last two years. Their names are registered with the I To the Editor It's Grey Twp.'s turn Spring has again brought nut the green leaves. grasses and colored flowers to make us see that out of the long cold winter and dormant trees, there is new life in this troubled old world. So. we hope this "hot air" that we must listen to for another month or so. will not wilt our fresh green vegetation and flowers. I hear that even now the reeves and deputy reeves are announcing their intentions to run for Warden in Huron for 1%5 The wav we live nowadays. some London Red Cross and when local c ini s.are held, each is called by area volun rs. in Clinton the Beta Sigma Phi Sorority Chapters call each donor. While there are 380 active donors in the area, on the average less than 200 attend donor clinics. "People tend to skip clinics because they think there's no emergency," said Mr. Jury. He noted that clinics held in May often have lower attendance. In this area. agricul- tural work takes priority at this time of year and because of the pleasant spring weather, many prefer to be in their gardens. "The donors are there. we just have to get them out," he said. 11 takes less than 45 minutes to make a donation at a btoor' donor clinic. The actual blood giving procedure takes seven to eight minutes, Registration and a rest penal makes up the remainder of the time. "If in southwestern Ontario, every regi- stered donor gave once a year. there'd never be a shortage." A blood supply shortage can mean a life or death situation. In an unexpected emer- gency, blood is collected from area hospitals to fill the need. Donor appeals are also made on the local airways and television. "it can get grim and we hope for stabilizatioty. Sometimes it becomes an all night job with the hospitals." Blood donor clinics are held to fill the need. Any healthy man or women. not under doctor's supervision, between the age of 17 and 65 can give blood. Education is the way to attract potential donors and Mr. Jury is currently touring local high schools. He will speak to students at Seaforth District High School on May 11 at 9 a.m. and he will visit Central Huron Secondary School on May 14 at 9 a,m. Potential area donors are also strongly encouraged to attend the upcoming Blood Donor Clinic, it will be held in Clinton at the Central Huron Secondary School from 1:30 to 4 p.m. and from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. people tell me that '.e must plan ahead even 1 sears I am speaking for people in Gres. Township. hn haven't had a warden for 39vears Dont vnu think it was our turn. to have a reeve from Gres, he the warden. as some municipalities have had three. four. five nr six since 1945 Think it over please We in Grey also contribute to good old Huron County. Thanks and hlessines to you Geo Wesenherg WARDEN/FROMPAGEONE said. "I love my county and it has been my dream to be warden of Huron." The three declared candidates were joined by Goderich Reerve Harry Worsell, who lost to Mr. Cunningham it; last year's election. Mr. Worrell, the former mayor of HURRAY FOR THE HOSPITAL—Grade four students of the public school won a poster contest about the Seaforth Community Hospital. First prizewinner Is Valerie Laverty (middle), second prize goes to Karen Coleman, (back) and third prize winner Is Chris Eckel (front). (Hundertmark photo) Huron County businesses asked to show Ag. support Huron County businesses will be asked to show their support for agriculture by signing a petition. The petition will be presented at a meeting later this month between the Ontario Federation of Agriculture and Dennis Timb- brell, minister of agriculture. Huron's contribution to this meeting was the topic of discussion at a special emergency meeting of Huron Federation of Agriculture members on May 3 in Londesboro. Tony McQuail of RR2, Lucknow, president of die HFA said the meeting with Mr. Timbrell may be held on May 18, 19 or 22 depending on the agriculture minister's schedule. The petition to be circulated to businesses in the county is expected to voice the support and concern of these businesses for farmers. "There is concern for the farm community in rural Ontario," said Mr. McQuail. He added that when farmers have money they buy products from local businesses. The organization of tris meeting follows OFA's April directors meeting where a resolution by Bruce County Federation was approved by a large majority of OFA's regional- directors . The resolution asks that the OFA demand Mr. Timbrell to implement a retroactive payment, to 1981, to all red meat producers in Ontario. This would, the resolution states, bring Ontario producers to a level equal to subsidized producers in other provinces. 1 The resolution further states, "That if a meaningful payment plan of 100 per cent of total costs of production, including labor at zero equity, is not implemented within 30 days, that the Ontario Federation of Agricul- ture demand the resignations of Dennis Timbrell, Bill Doyle and Larry Grossman. If their resignation is not forthcoming their dismissal will be demanded." At the Huron meeting, there was some discussion that the directors shouldn't have supported the resignation demand. Mr. McQuail said the demand puts those involved "on notice" that the farming community is serious about its concerns. There were some suggestions for improv- ing the farm economy that the HFA will pass on to the OFA. The OFA will compile a brief to present to Mr. Timbrell from the suggestions presented by all the county federations. it was stressed several times throughout the HFA meeting that any suggestions brought forward do not necessarily represent the opinion of the majority of members of the Huron County Federation of Agriculture. Orderly marketing, tri -partite stabilize - bons, loans instead of grants. doing some- thing about the spread between farm gate prices and retail prices and lowering retail interest rates were some of the suggestions made at the meeting. COMMUNITY CALENDAR,. If you're organinng a non-profit event of interest to other Seaforth area residents, phone the recreation office at 527 08512 or the E xpositor at 527-0240 or mail the information to Community Calendar The Huron Expositor, Box 69 Seaforth, Ontario NOK 1WO well in advance of the scheduled date Goderich, said the town has not produced a warden since 1939 and he wanted to "give it another go " The election for warden will take place in the council chambers in December. PRIDE/FROM PAGE TWO include education and county levies. On a three year average, taxpayers will pay about nine per cent more a year. This isn't unrealistic considering Seaforth had a S49,000 deficit at the end of 1982. it's not within the six and five federal govern- ment guidelines. but most council commit- tees are trying -- some have even cutback spending in their 1984 budget. GOOD FOR NOTHING The thing about life is that it's full of mistakes, but wouldn't we all like hindsight. Some people say it was a mistake 1 was born. Since r m the oldest of three, i may have been unexpected. I always thought it was the youngest of the family that may have been a mistake. i made my first mistake when 1 was about five. My mother told me to be good. I said 1 would be good for five cents. In a loud voice my father replied, "You'll be good for nothing." If it wasn't for life's little screw -ups, how boring it would all be. Mistakes prove one thing, and that is people take notice, i'l1 always remember the sign my boss had on his desk, "Whether I'm right or wrong. I'm still the boss." I'm not the boss, so 1 guess I'm wrong. REPORTER Susan Hundertmark spent four days In Belleville last week at a Photography for the Community Newspaper seminar. Two of the five Instructors were Peter Robertson, graphics director at The Toronto Star and Peter Bragg, Canadian Press picture chief In Ottawa. Watch for even better pictures In the Huron Expositor in coming weeks. The above photo was made by Susan Hundertmark (Inset) when she and 18 other photographers went out on assignment In the Belleville community. Wednesday, May 9 8 p.m. • Horticultural Society meeting at Seaforth Public School 7 p. m. - Topnotch vs. Firemen at Lions Park 8:30 p.m. - Mainstreet vs Queens at Lions Park Thursday, May 10 10:30 a.m. - Bake Sale, Delicatessen, Coffee, Grocery draw at former Mc- Connell & Stewart office by Seaforth Agricultural Society Ladies Division Men's Ball Hockey at arena: 7:30 p.m. - Queens Cavaliers vs Brewers 8:30 p.m. - Boiler Makers vs Nationals 9:30 p.m. - Beechwood Devils vs Beruit Boars Friday, May 11 8-10:30 p.m. - Roller Skating at arena Saturday, May 12 16 a.m.-2 p.m. - Canada Health Day at St. Thomas Anglican Church, Free Blood Pressure and Blood Sugar Clinic, 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. - Seaforth Community Hospital Auxiliary Luncheon. 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. - St. Thomas Anglican Church Lunch Buffet 1:30-2:30 p.m. - Story Hour at Library Sunday, May 13-- 7:30.10 p.m. Roller Skating at arena 7 p.m. - Turf Club vs Queens at Lions Park 8:30 p.m. • Mainstreet vs Creamery at Lions Park Monday, May 14 7 p.m. - Villagers vs Topnotch at Optimist Park 8:30 p.m. - Firemen vs Bears at Optimist Park Tuesday, May 15 7&8:30 p.m. - Ladies' Ball League at Lions Park 7.9 p.m. - Roller Skating at arena . Saturday, May 19 Epilepsy Ontario, Huron Chapter, fund- raising lottery draw at the Klompen Feast dance in Clinton. 25 Prizes, tickets Sl. For tickets contact Mari Vere 482-9489 in Clinton or at the Klompen Feest Booth. Space for the Community Calendar is donated by The Huron Expositor 0