Cancer continues to be a horrible disease that has touched all of us in one shape or form. And despite all the fundraising efforts by thousands and the research that has been done, cancer has not been beaten - at least not yet.
Over the years we have told many stories about the impacts of this deadly disease, but one story in this week's paper just tears at our heartstrings.
Four-year-old Oscar Dorval is battling cancer for the second time in his young life. The young boy was diagnosed with a rare form of kidney-based cancer - a Wilms' tumour - when he was three.
After getting over the devastating news, Oscar's parents Pat Dorval and Ange Cruikshank saw their son go through surgery to remove the tumour four days after it was discovered. The young lad started chemotherapy and radiation treatment that lasted almost a year at B.C. Children's Hospital in Vancouver.
The Sunshine Coast community rallied behind the family, as it always seems to do when someone is in need, holding a fundraiser, which netted $7,000 to help defray travel costs.
In March, Oscar was given a clean bill of health and the family was more than a little relieved. But that relief turned to anger and worry again a mere three months later when a scan showed a spot on Oscar's lung. Now he is in treatment again, an even more aggressive treatment this time to hopefully get rid of the cancer for good.
No one should have to go through what Oscar has, and at only four years of age, he has already endured so much pain and suffering - it's almost inconceivable.
The community has come through before and we, along with the family's many friends and family, are asking the community to pitch in again by seeing fit to donate whatever you can. A loonie and twoonie drive has been set up with collection boxes at many Coast stores. Key chains and bracelets are also for sale at Skookum Dodge with all money going directly to the family. The family also appreciates cards and letters of love.
We're pulling for little Oscar and his family. We can only imagine how hard the fight has been so far, but know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Keep fighting the good fight, Oscar.
Why spoil the fun?
Another Sea Cavalcade festival is in the books, and by most accounts it was another successful, fun-filled family celebration.
But for the third year in a row, the Saturday evening street dance and fireworks display was marred by drunken hooligans, prompting Sunshine Coast RCMP to make 36 arrests - all liquor related, of people ranging from ages 14 to 56 - more than doubling last year's previous high of 16 arrests.
Why do people still believe they can drink to excess, have open liquor in the streets and fight in the streets? This type of behaviour is abhorrent and totally uncalled for. It's terrible that certain members of this community have to ruin the fun for others by acting like hooligans.
