Anything else we can do?

Times Reporter     

 

Robin Navin and her family in Strathmore will be first timers for the Canadian Cancer Society’s Relay for Life on June 6 at Wheatland Elementary School. Navin, team captain of “For Pete’s Sake,” is heading up her team of 14 for her late brother-in-law Peter, who was diagnosed with brain cancer at the age of 30. 

During his ten-year battle, Peter went through five surgeries, only to be told in January 2013 that nothing more could be done.

“At that time, my husband and I, we decided that we had to be really honest with our two young children about what was going on. We didn’t want them to resent us in the future for not having time to prepare,” Navin said. “We told them. My son was eight. He said to me ‘Is there anything we can do for Uncle Peter?’ and I said ‘No, there’s nothing more anybody can do.’ He responded, ‘Well, is there anything else we can do for other people’s uncles?’ ”

Navin began to search through different fundraising events for cancer research – but ones that her kids could help with for their uncle, too. Peter himself participated in the Ride to Conquer Cancer for four years before he passed.

“The last year he was alive, he actually had to go in a car, and then wheel himself across the finish line – his whole left side was paralyzed,” Navin said. “My kids have always known Uncle Peter did that, so it’s good that we’re trying to make up for what he can’t do.”

That also is the team’s motto: we walk because Peter can’t anymore. Peter passed in October 2013.

“For Pete’s Sake” has reached $4,000 of their original $5,000 goal. However, Navin is now considering Peter’s last contribution to the Ride to Conquer Cancer, of roughly $8,000.

“It would be really good if we could raise the amount that he did last year,” she said. “So much crappy stuff is associated with cancer. It’s just really important for us to have a good day – raise the money, and have fun.”

You can donate to “For Pete’s Sake” at: http://convio.cancer.ca/site/TR?pg=team&fr_id=15109&team_id=300550