Harrison Ivor McKinnon: A little hero taken too soon

Our hearts have shattered into a million pieces… after a brief and unexpected battle with an insidious and relentless infection, we kissed and held our darling Harrison for the last time.

On June 17, 2017, 2:15pm, at the age of 2 years, 9 months, our beautiful, sensitive, thoughtful, cuddly, funny and infinitely brave firstborn baby boy peacefully gave up his fight and left all his pain and suffering behind. We are left heartbroken that we will never know the amazing person he was destined to become, but so honoured and thankful that he chose us as his parents so we could know how full our hearts and lives could be. Because of him, we know a love we never guessed was possible before he became ours for his short time in this world. ‘Mamoo’ forever, Little Love.

Harrison fought cancer relentlessly for more than half his life, with a remarkably sunny disposition and with an incredible bravery and strength that left us in awe of him in his short time here with us. In the end, he beat the beast twice, but ultimately lost his fight to a fierce and opportunistic infection that was able to overcome his body as a result of side effects of treatments he received to help him win his battle with cancer. This is true of so many children fighting in this war if they manage to beat cancer, chances are good that they will eventually succumb to a complication of treatment. Childhood cancer receives roughly 4% of all cancer research funding dollars yet children who survive run the highest risk of late treatment effects because they have so much life left to live once they’ve beaten the disease. This desperately needs to change. In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations to The Children’s Oncology Group Foundation.

Dawson Joseph Hamilton: Smiling down on us

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Dawson at the Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto on the morning of Sunday, January 10, 2010 peacefully with his family by his side, in his 10th year .

Loving son of Heather and Scott, precious brother of Tanner and Cayden, loving grandson of Debbie Stevenson and the late Joe McGann, Jim and Linda Hamilton and great grandson to Linda McGann. Dawson will be lovingly remembered by all his aunts, uncles, cousins, family and friends.

Courtney Alisha Druce: Our sassy blonde angel

Courtney Druce spent nearly half her life fighting cancer and she can rest now assured others will carry on the fight for her.

Miss Druce died Wednesday eight days shy of her 28th birthday after battling cancer on five occasions since her first diagnosis in 2004. She passed away surrounded by family in New Jersey at her mother’s home where she received hospice care for several weeks.

Her parents, former NHLer and Peterborough Pete John Druce, and mother Chantel, are both Peterborough natives. Courtney and John were honorary chairs of the Petes annual Pink in the Rink cancer fundraiser in 2014. John Druce has been an honorary member of the Pedal for Hope, a charity ride by local police to raise money for the fight against childhood cancer, since 2005. Miss Druce wrote about her battle with cancer on her blog Sassy Blonde Cancer be Gone.

“It’s absolutely heartbreaking to lose someone so young who was so full of life. She had so much potential,” said Lyndsey Fullman, fundraising specialist for the Peterborough branch of the Canadian Cancer Society.

“She was an incredible woman. The magnitude of her loss is absolutely massive. I know it was felt deeply on the Pedal for Hope team today. John Druce has been a personal friend of the Canadian Cancer Society and he joined the Pedal for Hope in honour of his daughter.”

Pedal for Hope co-ordinator John Townsend said it was a quiet day Thursday for riders currently in the middle of the three-week campaign. They’ll pedal 800 kilometres and visit schools from Peterborough to Durham Region to Brighton and Lindsay from April 25 to May 13.

“John Druce is a big part of our team and our family and today is a sad day for everybody on the team,” Townsend said.

It hit home as a reminder, Townsend said, of why they do the ride.

“We’re making so much progress in the fight against cancer and we’re making so much of a difference stats-wise compared to 20 years ago, but it’s days like this you realize we’re still not there."

Jorja Gorham: Jorja.....always on our minds

With very heavy hearts we need to let you know that with her parents by her side Jorja’s journey here on earth ended, at Sick Kids Hospital, on January 31, 2018 at the age of 11. But as many people have sung before…Jorja is always on my mind.

Much loved daughter of David & Jodi. Loving sister of Davis. She will be missed by her four-legged best buddy, Oakley. Cherished granddaughter of Judy (Dan) Taylor, Mark Thompson, Margaretann Gorham, and Robert Gorham (Lito) and great-grandaughter of Georgina Penney and Marie Thompson. Adored niece of Wesley Thompson, Jennifer (Steve) Dickerson, Luke Thompson (Stacy), Chris Gorham and Nicole Gorham Elder (Darren). She will be fondly remembered and missed by her cousins, Kyla, Lana, Chelsea, Josh, Jax, and Jolan.

She will be remembered for her exuberant personality, her passion for helping others, her love of art, being a part of many sports teams, and being truly able to express her thoughts and feelings while making things happen her way. She inspired and connected so many communities and is remembered as being AWESOME!

Graham *Cracker* Clarke: A true champion

Graham *Cracker* Clarke was 12 1/2 years old when he passed away on January 26, 2007. He had fought cancer for half of his life. But more importantly, he lived every day of his life.

From a young age it was clear that Graham was very determined, had a great curiosity, and loved challenges. He was keen to try anything new.His interests included hockey, soccer, puzzles, cards and board games, Scouting, listening to music, piano, the Terry Fox Run, and family travels.

He was a true big brother, caring, gentle, always wanting to help others.The team approach to life appealed to Graham a great deal, whether it be family activities, fun with friends, or sports. Being part of the Pedal for Hope team was no exception.

To the Pedal for Hope team we say: Thank you, keep having fun, and keep up the hope! Cheryl, David, Kevin and Julie Clarke