November 8, 2008

Throughout the year firefighters and many of our supporters united once again on September 21 to fight the ravages of the cancers that afflict our firefighters.

If this year's support is any indication of what is to come, we can hardly wait for tomorrow. With the FACE Foundation being in existence for a mere two years now, we have been very successful spreading the word about FACE and making a difference.

We went to various events this year sharing with many firefighters and supporters of what we stand for. We met many new friends and heard some touching stories of courage and support.

On October 6, 2008 Marcela Medhurst of Tabu Hair Group put together an event called Head Over Heals. As Marcela puts it “We wanted to recognize Firefighters by providing an opportunity to give back and stand united with them and also extend a helping hand. The event turned out to be a great success and help they did. When everything was said and done $12,000 was given for our Foundation. We wish to thank everyone that was involved and for taking on such a big task. Our Events page has some pictures of this great event.

My niece and nephew Jeff and Jessica Catterall and Jess's boyfriend Andy Dybenko decided they wanted to do something for the FACE Foundation. Ever since my diagnosis Jeff and Jess wanted to help in some way. They took it upon themselves to begin training and raise money by running in the GoodLife Fitness Toronto ½ Marathon held on October 18 2008. While Jess and Andy live in Toronto, Jeff flew in from Calgary Alberta to run the race with them. They raised over $1,100 for our Foundation. Thanks guys from the bottom of our hearts. It was thrilling to watch you finish the race. What pride we felt knowing the training and commitment you embraced to complete such a grueling run for FACE. See some pictures in the Events section.

Finally, on October 23, 2008 my wife and I headed up to Toronto to present a cheque to Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation. We are so pleased to present them with a donation of $25,000 to be put towards research of the cancers that are prominent in our firefighters. With money still coming in we will yet again be making another contribution this year. We will keep you informed of our total funds raised. Along with all of this we will be donating an additional $4,200 to a facility in the United States by the end of the year. It's been great so far.

Lynn Douglas, Vice President Community Programs Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation, accepts the $25,000 cheque from me and FACE's Treasurer/Secretary Lucie Catterall.

We wish to thank each and every one of you that supported our Foundation over this year and continue to support us in the future. As we said many times before without you FACE is just another word. Since FACE's inception two years ago we have raised over $48,000. Thank you to all of you who have supported FACE. It's because of you we are one step closer to finding a cure. We are already gearing up for next year.