Hi Everyone,
I am happy to say "we have some good news" At our most recent visit to the oncologists we received the report on the latest MRI of Earl's heart, chest and abdomen, which shows little/or no growth of the tumor. This means that Earl is responding to the chemo and will continue being treated. Today he will start cycle 3 of his treatment. We have no information on how long the treatment will go on for, but I would feel hopeful in saying that we will continue until the tumor is DEAD.
Needless to say he is feeling pretty good and is actually driving us a little mad with his chatter and bubbly personality LOL......
Take care,
Debbie
Jun 16, 2010
Jun 8, 2010
June update
Hi Everyone,
Can you believe it's June already, and it won't be long before the kids and many of my friends are finished school and enjoying what we hope will be a beautiful summer.
Earl has now completed two cycles/4 treatments of chemo and it hasn't been easy for him. We are so surprised to see him having such a tough time, because compared to the chemo he had in the beginning this should be a cake walk, but for some reason Earl, whom we can never quite figure out, is really struggling with this milder chemo. He feels like he has the flu and needs a lot of rest. But Earl, as one would expect is remaining positive and determined to beat this. He certainly has his down days and we do our best to turn that around for him...usually all it takes is a phone call from one of his hockey friends, a little locker room advice or a pep talk, a story about how he is and inspiration to one person or another and he is good again. His energy gets depleted rather quickly so he has to be careful about picking and choosing which activities and how many he can manage each day.
Earl had his MRI this past Friday and we see the Dr. on the 14th, so please keep him in your prayers as we anxiously await the results. We are hoping that we will see some evidence that the chemo is working.
We are all very excited about his upcoming fundraiser, especially to see our many friends, family and supporters. I have just about sold all 250 tickets and we have had so many generous donations....thank-you....thank-you....thank-you!
Take Care,
Debbie
Can you believe it's June already, and it won't be long before the kids and many of my friends are finished school and enjoying what we hope will be a beautiful summer.
Earl has now completed two cycles/4 treatments of chemo and it hasn't been easy for him. We are so surprised to see him having such a tough time, because compared to the chemo he had in the beginning this should be a cake walk, but for some reason Earl, whom we can never quite figure out, is really struggling with this milder chemo. He feels like he has the flu and needs a lot of rest. But Earl, as one would expect is remaining positive and determined to beat this. He certainly has his down days and we do our best to turn that around for him...usually all it takes is a phone call from one of his hockey friends, a little locker room advice or a pep talk, a story about how he is and inspiration to one person or another and he is good again. His energy gets depleted rather quickly so he has to be careful about picking and choosing which activities and how many he can manage each day.
Earl had his MRI this past Friday and we see the Dr. on the 14th, so please keep him in your prayers as we anxiously await the results. We are hoping that we will see some evidence that the chemo is working.
We are all very excited about his upcoming fundraiser, especially to see our many friends, family and supporters. I have just about sold all 250 tickets and we have had so many generous donations....thank-you....thank-you....thank-you!
Take Care,
Debbie
May 30, 2010
Earl's Fundraiser - June 10th, 2010
Earl's Fundraiser - June 10th, 2010
We are having a fund raising event for Earl on June 10th here in Winnipeg. It will take place at Rumor's Comedy Club and will star comedian John Beuhler. You can help in two ways, either by purchasing a ticket and joining us, or by donating a silent auction prize or cash donation.
If you know Earl, you know what a special young man he is and what a huge inspiration he is to others. Let's join together and pay it forward to Earl.
We are having a fund raising event for Earl on June 10th here in Winnipeg. It will take place at Rumor's Comedy Club and will star comedian John Beuhler. You can help in two ways, either by purchasing a ticket and joining us, or by donating a silent auction prize or cash donation.
If you know Earl, you know what a special young man he is and what a huge inspiration he is to others. Let's join together and pay it forward to Earl.
May 6, 2010
May update 2010
HI Everyone.
It's finally springtime and it's so nice to be outside...but more importantly for Earl it means the "Playoffs". Earl and I had a nice trip out to Detroit for games 3&4 of the first round. We had such a nice time, staying with my cousin in Windsor for a few days watching hockey and enjoying their amazing hospitality. We won 1 and lost 1...but in the end Detroit managed to win the series against Phoenix in game 7. Mike Babcock wore the tie that Earl had given him...(red with a small white dot) and it seemed to be the lucky tie. Now we are in round 2 against San Jose. It's been tough but we believe we can do it.....GO RED WINGS.
Speaking of tough...recent tests show that Earl's cancer is back. He started chemo this past Tuesday to try and shrink the new tumor. So keep praying for him.
Take care.
Debbie
It's finally springtime and it's so nice to be outside...but more importantly for Earl it means the "Playoffs". Earl and I had a nice trip out to Detroit for games 3&4 of the first round. We had such a nice time, staying with my cousin in Windsor for a few days watching hockey and enjoying their amazing hospitality. We won 1 and lost 1...but in the end Detroit managed to win the series against Phoenix in game 7. Mike Babcock wore the tie that Earl had given him...(red with a small white dot) and it seemed to be the lucky tie. Now we are in round 2 against San Jose. It's been tough but we believe we can do it.....GO RED WINGS.
Speaking of tough...recent tests show that Earl's cancer is back. He started chemo this past Tuesday to try and shrink the new tumor. So keep praying for him.
Take care.
Debbie
Mar 28, 2010
March Update"Earl Makes the Paper"
Hi Everyone,
This has been a pretty good month. We have been to Hawaii and Calgary and best of all the Wings are winning. Earl's new name for his favorite team is "The Detroit Hot Wings" ha ha. We are so proud of how well his boys are doing.
Earl saw the oncologist this past week and this is the news. The nodule in his right lung that we have been watching has not grown significantly, which is good news, but there appears to be 2-4 new nodules..not such great news....so now we wait for another 3-4 months before we get another ct scan. The other problem is that one of his kidney's is dilated and they are doing some tests to figure out the cause. Other than that, Earl has his good days and his bad days and we continue to ask you to keep him in your prayers,
- that he would begin to feel better and stronger
- that the cancer would just stop growing
- that Earl would take responsibility for eating healthy and staying strong.
While we were in Detroit in February we met a young couple who were also from Winnipeg, and when they heard about Earls story and connection to Mike and the Red Wings thought it was a story worth telling. Below you will find 2 stories that were printed in the Winnipeg Sun on Sunday March 14 about Earl, Mike Babcock and their relationship.
ENJOY.
Debbie
“Earl, you own the Joe.”
Those words are uttered often when Winnipeg’s Earl Cook makes a pilgrimage to his hockey mecca, Joe Louis Arena in Detroit.
It’s the home of his beloved Red Wings, a team with which Cook, who is battling cancer and had his left leg amputated because of it, has basically become part of due to his friendship with head coach Mike Babcock.
“He’s become a good friend of the Detroit Red Wings,” Babcock said, “and he’s become a good friend of mine.”
Cook, 22, is given free reign when he shows up at the venerable Motor City arena. He sits on the bench during the morning skate and darts around the locker-room after games.
“He’s got an opinion on everything!” Babcock said. “He’s got an opinion on who should shoot in the shootouts, he’s got an opinion on who should play with who and what goalie. I remember the last time he was in, we were playing Ottawa. He had the scouting report on (Brian) Elliott.”
Debbie Hopkins, who has been Cook’s foster mom for the last six years, is thankful the Wings have let her son live out a dream.
“Earl is given that experience, and he believes that he makes a difference,” she said. “And I think that’s the way Mike wants it.”
Babcock is always telling Cook that he knows a lot about hockey and specifically the Wings.
“I can’t tell you everything,” Cook said, “because some of it’s secret.”
Cook analyses tape with Detroit video coach Keith McKittrick. Johan Franzen calls him the team’s fourth coach. He has dumped Gatorade down Darren Helm’s jersey three times during practice and knows the St. Andrews product will exact his revenge soon.
He writes motivational messages on the white board. He’s met entertainer Kid Rock and befriended his brother, Billy Ritchie, whose hip and leg were amputated when he was six.
Due to behavioral and learning disabilities, Cook sometimes says whatever he’s thinking.
“I speak my mind,” said Cook, who has given motivational speeches around Winnipeg. “They like that about me.”
He even went up to Wings forward Henrik Zetterberg last spring during the Stanley Cup playoffs and told him he was struggling.
It was OK, though, because “me and him are tight,” Cook said. “I got his e-mail.”
Cook and Debbie are travelling to Calgary for Detroit’s game on Monday night against the Flames. Cook will no doubt catch up with his pals.
“I want to study for them, but I don’t know (Miikka) Kiprusoff’s weak spot,” Cook said. “I don’t know how to score on him. He’s too good.”
Babcock isn’t going to be happy to hear that.
Cook’s strongest bond is with the coach, but he has made an impact on the players as well during his dozen or so trips to watch them play.
A signed picture from defenceman Andreas Lilja reads: “To my best bud. You are an inspiration to us all. All the best.”
Cook also has a Wings calendar, and each player featured wrote a personal message of hope.
Cook’s bedroom is plastered in red and white. Pictures, jerseys, sticks and coffee mugs, not to mention a Curtis Joseph goalie helmet, are all over the house.
His prosthetic leg, which includes a rear end since he doesn’t have a hip, is painted red with a Wings logo on it. His good buddy Zetterberg even autographed the thing — while Cook was wearing it!
Cook believes his relationship with Babcock and the Wings is helping him strive to beat cancer. He and Debbie have tried to make trips to Motown just before he goes in for surgery.
“It brings my spirits up,” he said. “My Red Wings are my friends, and they’re cheering me on. I gotta do it for them, and I made a promise to other cancer patients before they died that I’m going to do whatever it takes to survive.”
Babcock’s wife lost one of her closest friends to cancer during the Olympics. His mom died of the disease as well. He invites kids stricken with cancer to every Wings home game.
None of them, however, left an impression like Cook has.
“There’s a few of them over the years that I’ve got to know better than others, but no one as good as Earl,” Babcock said.
“He’s just a great guy. He’s a piece of work. There’s nothing else you can say about him. He’s just fantastic, and his heart is huge. Sometimes when you don’t win, sometimes when you don’t feel like things are going as good as they should be, all you gotta do is think about him.
“You think about the hand he’s been dealt and how he embraces it. He’s an inspiration. He’s a remarkable man, is all I can say. He’s a gift from God.
“Earl’s going to be one of the survivors, and he’s also going to be one of the people who inspires people to make a difference, and I think that’s so important.”
kirk.penton@sunmedia.ca
When the doctor found another “something” in his lungs at Christmas time, Earl Cook wasn’t sure if he was ready to continue his cancer battle.
So his foster mom, Debbie Hopkins, sent an e-mail to one of Cook’s closest friends to ask if he could light a fire under her 22-year-old son.
That friend, who two months later would guide the Canadian men’s hockey team to Olympic gold in Vancouver, did just that.
Detroit Red Wings head coach Mike Babcock told Cook that it was overtime in Game 7. It was time to find another gear. He threw in a few salty words to make sure he got his point across.
“He gave Earl a locker-room talk,” Debbie said with a laugh. “And he doesn’t mince his words with Earl, either, which is really cool. As a mother, I don’t prefer that people use those kind of words with my children, but he treats him just like a player. And it’s awesome. It’s one of those situations where it’s OK.”
It’s OK because Cook, who has gone through more in his 22 years than anyone could ever imagine, responds to Babcock. One of the world’s most famous hockey coaches and the foster kid from Winnipeg have formed a deep friendship that just might be keeping the latter alive.
“If it weren’t for Mike, I wouldn’t want to keep fighting,” Cook said matter-of-factly. “Mike has given me the desire to live. There’s lots of times during each day I say I want to be dead right now, I don’t feel good.
“I get depressed sometimes, but Mike gets me out of it.”
Cook had it rough from the beginning. And when we say the beginning, we mean the beginning.
“Earl was born with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder,” Debbie said. “He was actually born drunk. And, actually, he was born in a toilet. His mother didn’t even know she had him. His older sister found him and saved his life.”
Cook was abused and diagnosed with failure to thrive. Doctors didn’t think he would make it past the age of two. He was placed in foster care as an infant, but the numerous behavioural and learning disabilities that were caused by his early experiences, like Asperger syndrome, are with him for life.
The fact he was diagnosed with cancer when he was 19 falls under the category of ‘Life’s not fair.’ The kid’s a fighter, though, and it’s his remarkable attitude that draws people to him.
“He’s a guy with an infectious personality,” Babcock said last week from Detroit. “The life he’s had … he’s a guy who’s found a way to make lemonade out of lemons, I guess you could say.
“I love when I jump in the car and it’s him on the phone. I turn it on, and I listen to him. It gives me inspiration.”
Cook and Babcock first made contact in July 2008, after Cook’s left hip and leg were amputated in Toronto. Cook was first diagnosed in 2007 with osteogenic sarcoma in his leg, the same kind of cancer Terry Fox had.
Cook had gotten to know part-time CTV Winnipeg sports anchor Dan Palsson, who in turn asked his friend, TSN’s Darren Dreger, if he could pay Cook a visit. Dreger stopped by and asked Cook who his favourite hockey coach was. Cook said Babcock. Fifteen minutes later the two were chatting on the phone.
“I was telling Mike how to run the lines, who to play with who and stuff and he listened to me,” Cook said. “And sure enough we went to the finals (in 2009).”
After the amputation, Cook had chemotherapy for the cancer that had spread to his lungs, but he wasn’t responding well to the treatment and the doctors weren’t hopeful.
So Debbie decided to get in touch with Babcock to see if Cook could come down for a game or two. He said yes. A friendship was born. Cook and Debbie have attended about a dozen Wings games over the last two seasons. When he’s unable to be there in person, Cook has Babcock’s direct line. They spoke three times on Thursday.
“If Earl ever calls, without a doubt he returns the call,” Debbie said. “Unless he calls at a completely inappropriate time, he will return the call within an hour.”
Debbie believes her son’s relationship with the Olympic- and Stanley Cup-winning coach is why Cook is still fighting off the disease today.
“It’s been everything,” she said. “It’s given him that motivation, the desire, the need to survive.”
kirk.penton@sunmedia.ca
This has been a pretty good month. We have been to Hawaii and Calgary and best of all the Wings are winning. Earl's new name for his favorite team is "The Detroit Hot Wings" ha ha. We are so proud of how well his boys are doing.
Earl saw the oncologist this past week and this is the news. The nodule in his right lung that we have been watching has not grown significantly, which is good news, but there appears to be 2-4 new nodules..not such great news....so now we wait for another 3-4 months before we get another ct scan. The other problem is that one of his kidney's is dilated and they are doing some tests to figure out the cause. Other than that, Earl has his good days and his bad days and we continue to ask you to keep him in your prayers,
- that he would begin to feel better and stronger
- that the cancer would just stop growing
- that Earl would take responsibility for eating healthy and staying strong.
While we were in Detroit in February we met a young couple who were also from Winnipeg, and when they heard about Earls story and connection to Mike and the Red Wings thought it was a story worth telling. Below you will find 2 stories that were printed in the Winnipeg Sun on Sunday March 14 about Earl, Mike Babcock and their relationship.
ENJOY.
Debbie
“Earl, you own the Joe.”
Those words are uttered often when Winnipeg’s Earl Cook makes a pilgrimage to his hockey mecca, Joe Louis Arena in Detroit.
It’s the home of his beloved Red Wings, a team with which Cook, who is battling cancer and had his left leg amputated because of it, has basically become part of due to his friendship with head coach Mike Babcock.
“He’s become a good friend of the Detroit Red Wings,” Babcock said, “and he’s become a good friend of mine.”
Cook, 22, is given free reign when he shows up at the venerable Motor City arena. He sits on the bench during the morning skate and darts around the locker-room after games.
“He’s got an opinion on everything!” Babcock said. “He’s got an opinion on who should shoot in the shootouts, he’s got an opinion on who should play with who and what goalie. I remember the last time he was in, we were playing Ottawa. He had the scouting report on (Brian) Elliott.”
Debbie Hopkins, who has been Cook’s foster mom for the last six years, is thankful the Wings have let her son live out a dream.
“Earl is given that experience, and he believes that he makes a difference,” she said. “And I think that’s the way Mike wants it.”
Babcock is always telling Cook that he knows a lot about hockey and specifically the Wings.
“I can’t tell you everything,” Cook said, “because some of it’s secret.”
Cook analyses tape with Detroit video coach Keith McKittrick. Johan Franzen calls him the team’s fourth coach. He has dumped Gatorade down Darren Helm’s jersey three times during practice and knows the St. Andrews product will exact his revenge soon.
He writes motivational messages on the white board. He’s met entertainer Kid Rock and befriended his brother, Billy Ritchie, whose hip and leg were amputated when he was six.
Due to behavioral and learning disabilities, Cook sometimes says whatever he’s thinking.
“I speak my mind,” said Cook, who has given motivational speeches around Winnipeg. “They like that about me.”
He even went up to Wings forward Henrik Zetterberg last spring during the Stanley Cup playoffs and told him he was struggling.
It was OK, though, because “me and him are tight,” Cook said. “I got his e-mail.”
Cook and Debbie are travelling to Calgary for Detroit’s game on Monday night against the Flames. Cook will no doubt catch up with his pals.
“I want to study for them, but I don’t know (Miikka) Kiprusoff’s weak spot,” Cook said. “I don’t know how to score on him. He’s too good.”
Babcock isn’t going to be happy to hear that.
Cook’s strongest bond is with the coach, but he has made an impact on the players as well during his dozen or so trips to watch them play.
A signed picture from defenceman Andreas Lilja reads: “To my best bud. You are an inspiration to us all. All the best.”
Cook also has a Wings calendar, and each player featured wrote a personal message of hope.
Cook’s bedroom is plastered in red and white. Pictures, jerseys, sticks and coffee mugs, not to mention a Curtis Joseph goalie helmet, are all over the house.
His prosthetic leg, which includes a rear end since he doesn’t have a hip, is painted red with a Wings logo on it. His good buddy Zetterberg even autographed the thing — while Cook was wearing it!
Cook believes his relationship with Babcock and the Wings is helping him strive to beat cancer. He and Debbie have tried to make trips to Motown just before he goes in for surgery.
“It brings my spirits up,” he said. “My Red Wings are my friends, and they’re cheering me on. I gotta do it for them, and I made a promise to other cancer patients before they died that I’m going to do whatever it takes to survive.”
Babcock’s wife lost one of her closest friends to cancer during the Olympics. His mom died of the disease as well. He invites kids stricken with cancer to every Wings home game.
None of them, however, left an impression like Cook has.
“There’s a few of them over the years that I’ve got to know better than others, but no one as good as Earl,” Babcock said.
“He’s just a great guy. He’s a piece of work. There’s nothing else you can say about him. He’s just fantastic, and his heart is huge. Sometimes when you don’t win, sometimes when you don’t feel like things are going as good as they should be, all you gotta do is think about him.
“You think about the hand he’s been dealt and how he embraces it. He’s an inspiration. He’s a remarkable man, is all I can say. He’s a gift from God.
“Earl’s going to be one of the survivors, and he’s also going to be one of the people who inspires people to make a difference, and I think that’s so important.”
kirk.penton@sunmedia.ca
When the doctor found another “something” in his lungs at Christmas time, Earl Cook wasn’t sure if he was ready to continue his cancer battle.
So his foster mom, Debbie Hopkins, sent an e-mail to one of Cook’s closest friends to ask if he could light a fire under her 22-year-old son.
That friend, who two months later would guide the Canadian men’s hockey team to Olympic gold in Vancouver, did just that.
Detroit Red Wings head coach Mike Babcock told Cook that it was overtime in Game 7. It was time to find another gear. He threw in a few salty words to make sure he got his point across.
“He gave Earl a locker-room talk,” Debbie said with a laugh. “And he doesn’t mince his words with Earl, either, which is really cool. As a mother, I don’t prefer that people use those kind of words with my children, but he treats him just like a player. And it’s awesome. It’s one of those situations where it’s OK.”
It’s OK because Cook, who has gone through more in his 22 years than anyone could ever imagine, responds to Babcock. One of the world’s most famous hockey coaches and the foster kid from Winnipeg have formed a deep friendship that just might be keeping the latter alive.
“If it weren’t for Mike, I wouldn’t want to keep fighting,” Cook said matter-of-factly. “Mike has given me the desire to live. There’s lots of times during each day I say I want to be dead right now, I don’t feel good.
“I get depressed sometimes, but Mike gets me out of it.”
Cook had it rough from the beginning. And when we say the beginning, we mean the beginning.
“Earl was born with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder,” Debbie said. “He was actually born drunk. And, actually, he was born in a toilet. His mother didn’t even know she had him. His older sister found him and saved his life.”
Cook was abused and diagnosed with failure to thrive. Doctors didn’t think he would make it past the age of two. He was placed in foster care as an infant, but the numerous behavioural and learning disabilities that were caused by his early experiences, like Asperger syndrome, are with him for life.
The fact he was diagnosed with cancer when he was 19 falls under the category of ‘Life’s not fair.’ The kid’s a fighter, though, and it’s his remarkable attitude that draws people to him.
“He’s a guy with an infectious personality,” Babcock said last week from Detroit. “The life he’s had … he’s a guy who’s found a way to make lemonade out of lemons, I guess you could say.
“I love when I jump in the car and it’s him on the phone. I turn it on, and I listen to him. It gives me inspiration.”
Cook and Babcock first made contact in July 2008, after Cook’s left hip and leg were amputated in Toronto. Cook was first diagnosed in 2007 with osteogenic sarcoma in his leg, the same kind of cancer Terry Fox had.
Cook had gotten to know part-time CTV Winnipeg sports anchor Dan Palsson, who in turn asked his friend, TSN’s Darren Dreger, if he could pay Cook a visit. Dreger stopped by and asked Cook who his favourite hockey coach was. Cook said Babcock. Fifteen minutes later the two were chatting on the phone.
“I was telling Mike how to run the lines, who to play with who and stuff and he listened to me,” Cook said. “And sure enough we went to the finals (in 2009).”
After the amputation, Cook had chemotherapy for the cancer that had spread to his lungs, but he wasn’t responding well to the treatment and the doctors weren’t hopeful.
So Debbie decided to get in touch with Babcock to see if Cook could come down for a game or two. He said yes. A friendship was born. Cook and Debbie have attended about a dozen Wings games over the last two seasons. When he’s unable to be there in person, Cook has Babcock’s direct line. They spoke three times on Thursday.
“If Earl ever calls, without a doubt he returns the call,” Debbie said. “Unless he calls at a completely inappropriate time, he will return the call within an hour.”
Debbie believes her son’s relationship with the Olympic- and Stanley Cup-winning coach is why Cook is still fighting off the disease today.
“It’s been everything,” she said. “It’s given him that motivation, the desire, the need to survive.”
kirk.penton@sunmedia.ca
Mar 10, 2010
March Update
Hi Everyone,
Well time sure speeds by! Since our last update Earl and I have been to Mexico, Detroit/Windsor/Niagara Falls and Hawaii and we leave on Saturday for a quick trip to Calgary to watch the Wings play and hopefully WIN against the Flames. We have had lots of fun and I will tell some of those stories and add some pictures later. For now I want you to know a little about what's going on with Earl medically.
Well time sure speeds by! Since our last update Earl and I have been to Mexico, Detroit/Windsor/Niagara Falls and Hawaii and we leave on Saturday for a quick trip to Calgary to watch the Wings play and hopefully WIN against the Flames. We have had lots of fun and I will tell some of those stories and add some pictures later. For now I want you to know a little about what's going on with Earl medically.
In the last number of months and prior to our vacation Earl was having daily headaches. We talked to our nurse today and reported Earl's headaches, vomiting and a few other symptoms to her. Upon consulting with the Dr. she informed us that a CT Scan of his head will be done tomorrow at 8:40 am. Please pray for this test and of course for Earl and myself. We are sure hoping that the news will be good and that nothing will be found.
Debbie
Feb 1, 2010
It's 2010...WOW
HI Everyone,
It's hard to believe it's already the beginning of February and it's turned pretty cold here in Winterpeg. Earl is feeling pretty good these days, and we are both feeling better after a week in the sun. We left for Mexico on Jan5th and came home on the 12th, it's was wonderful. We stayed at a very nice resort, which was not too big, and gave Earl the opportunity to wander around at his leisure and chat up a story with the other guests. We met some awesome people and made some great friendships. The resort was beautiful and Earl swam in the ocean everyday except one. We went snorkeling and took a day trip to Xcaret, and ecological park which told the story of Mexico and its history. The weather was pretty nice for us cold Manitoban's.
Since returning Earl has made it back on the ice and is fully recovered from his surgery. As we wait and try to think of things other that cancer we are planning a trip to Detroit next week, during which we will visit with my cousins in Windsor and spend time with the team and some friends from Detroit. We are taking along 2 friends of Earl's Brittany and Keith and so this should be a fun trip. We are hoping to take Earl to visit Niagara Falls, he's never been there and I am sure he will love it.
Two weekends ago, my brother called and told me about a super good deal to go to Hawaii (Maui) so, after we get back from Detroit, we flying off for a 12 day trip to Maui. We are looking forward to it and will have a great time because my brother and his wife and other family members will also be there.
that's the update...remember no news is good news....!!! but really I am sorry it took me so long to update the blog.
Earl continues to stay positive and is serious about beating this cancer. On February 21st our church will be having a healing service for Earl, so if you live in Winnipeg you are welcome to join us as we hold Earl up in prayer and trust that God will be his strength and healer.
Take care,
Debbie
It's hard to believe it's already the beginning of February and it's turned pretty cold here in Winterpeg. Earl is feeling pretty good these days, and we are both feeling better after a week in the sun. We left for Mexico on Jan5th and came home on the 12th, it's was wonderful. We stayed at a very nice resort, which was not too big, and gave Earl the opportunity to wander around at his leisure and chat up a story with the other guests. We met some awesome people and made some great friendships. The resort was beautiful and Earl swam in the ocean everyday except one. We went snorkeling and took a day trip to Xcaret, and ecological park which told the story of Mexico and its history. The weather was pretty nice for us cold Manitoban's.
Since returning Earl has made it back on the ice and is fully recovered from his surgery. As we wait and try to think of things other that cancer we are planning a trip to Detroit next week, during which we will visit with my cousins in Windsor and spend time with the team and some friends from Detroit. We are taking along 2 friends of Earl's Brittany and Keith and so this should be a fun trip. We are hoping to take Earl to visit Niagara Falls, he's never been there and I am sure he will love it.
Two weekends ago, my brother called and told me about a super good deal to go to Hawaii (Maui) so, after we get back from Detroit, we flying off for a 12 day trip to Maui. We are looking forward to it and will have a great time because my brother and his wife and other family members will also be there.
that's the update...remember no news is good news....!!! but really I am sorry it took me so long to update the blog.
Earl continues to stay positive and is serious about beating this cancer. On February 21st our church will be having a healing service for Earl, so if you live in Winnipeg you are welcome to join us as we hold Earl up in prayer and trust that God will be his strength and healer.
Take care,
Debbie
Dec 29, 2009
Last Update for 2009
HI Everyone,
I was hoping to end the year on a positive note with a report that the latest CT Scan was clear, but Earl saw the oncologist today and unfortunately there appears to be yet another "something" in his right upper lobe (lung). The plan is to wait 3 months and do another CT Scan....and see if it grows and then make a decision as to what should happen next. For those of you who don't know, Earl had surgery on October 29, which involved the opening of his sternum so that the surgeon could access both of Earls' lungs. They removed two cancerous tumors from his left lung and what ended up being scar tissue from his right lung. He was in hospital for 5 days and off his crutches for a total of 8 weeks. He is back moving around again and doing a great job...like he never stopped.
We were reall
y hoping that the latest results would be different and therefore we are having a tough time keeping our heads up. Earl has been struggling emotionally for the last few months as we have said goodbye to several more sarcoma friends. We were especially saddened by the loss of our dear Friend Ramona Reimer...and send out prayers to her husband Earl and their families.
We did however have a great Christmas with family and plan to continue to celebrate the love that God has bestowed upon us and share it with all we meet. I have a terrific family, and terrific friends...we have a church family that stands behind us and prays for us all the way and all the time...and for that we are forever thankful. God is Good and his Love endures forever.
The next few months will hopefully involve a trip to Detroit...Earls misses his boys so much, hopefully a trip to Calgary... to see the DRW put the Flames out.....! (that's for you Mike) and I am currently scanning the net to find a sell off vacation... to somewhere hot and where we can have a much needed change of scenery.
Take care everyone, please keep in touch, please keep praying and oh yeahhhhhh
HAPPY NEW YEAR....
Debbie, Earl and Darby.
I was hoping to end the year on a positive note with a report that the latest CT Scan was clear, but Earl saw the oncologist today and unfortunately there appears to be yet another "something" in his right upper lobe (lung). The plan is to wait 3 months and do another CT Scan....and see if it grows and then make a decision as to what should happen next. For those of you who don't know, Earl had surgery on October 29, which involved the opening of his sternum so that the surgeon could access both of Earls' lungs. They removed two cancerous tumors from his left lung and what ended up being scar tissue from his right lung. He was in hospital for 5 days and off his crutches for a total of 8 weeks. He is back moving around again and doing a great job...like he never stopped.
We were reall
y hoping that the latest results would be different and therefore we are having a tough time keeping our heads up. Earl has been struggling emotionally for the last few months as we have said goodbye to several more sarcoma friends. We were especially saddened by the loss of our dear Friend Ramona Reimer...and send out prayers to her husband Earl and their families.We did however have a great Christmas with family and plan to continue to celebrate the love that God has bestowed upon us and share it with all we meet. I have a terrific family, and terrific friends...we have a church family that stands behind us and prays for us all the way and all the time...and for that we are forever thankful. God is Good and his Love endures forever.
The next few months will hopefully involve a trip to Detroit...Earls misses his boys so much, hopefully a trip to Calgary... to see the DRW put the Flames out.....! (that's for you Mike) and I am currently scanning the net to find a sell off vacation... to somewhere hot and where we can have a much needed change of scenery.
Take care everyone, please keep in touch, please keep praying and oh yeahhhhhh
HAPPY NEW YEAR....
Debbie, Earl and Darby.
Nov 27, 2009
Go Red Wings
Hi Everyone,
Earl has been home from the hospital for 3 weeks now and is really getting bored. He is able to go out, almost daily, but is incredibly tired afterward. He is quite an amazing guy...saying the surgery wasn't really that bad. We are having a few problems with the incision, but nothing major. He still has four more weeks without crutches and boy will he be happy to get them back. I must say his balance is getting better and better as he hops from room to room.
Earl is constantly reminding me about the travel plans he has after he is up and at em...wants to go to Calgary, Detroit and maybe even Vancouver and we might go on a cruise depending on how he is feeling. I don't think we can manage all 4 places though so we will have to take a look at making decision in the new year.
Earl goes for his next CT Scan on December 21st, and the Dr. wants us to wait until after the holidays before he gives us the results. We are hoping and counting on good results though. Please keep him in your prayers as we wait yet again for an update on his cancer.
We are struggling right now with the knowledge that one of our good friends, Ramona is in palliative care (for 2 weeks now). We pray for her daily and ask that would join us. She is an amazing, beautiful young woman and we just can't fathom life without her. Earl sometimes deals with why he is doing so well, while others are not.
We are planning to stay home and watch our Red Wings beat the Calgary Flames tonight....they really need and win and so does Earl.....So watch out all you Calgary fans...you might be crying in your beer tonight.
Debbie
Earl has been home from the hospital for 3 weeks now and is really getting bored. He is able to go out, almost daily, but is incredibly tired afterward. He is quite an amazing guy...saying the surgery wasn't really that bad. We are having a few problems with the incision, but nothing major. He still has four more weeks without crutches and boy will he be happy to get them back. I must say his balance is getting better and better as he hops from room to room.
Earl is constantly reminding me about the travel plans he has after he is up and at em...wants to go to Calgary, Detroit and maybe even Vancouver and we might go on a cruise depending on how he is feeling. I don't think we can manage all 4 places though so we will have to take a look at making decision in the new year.
Earl goes for his next CT Scan on December 21st, and the Dr. wants us to wait until after the holidays before he gives us the results. We are hoping and counting on good results though. Please keep him in your prayers as we wait yet again for an update on his cancer.
We are struggling right now with the knowledge that one of our good friends, Ramona is in palliative care (for 2 weeks now). We pray for her daily and ask that would join us. She is an amazing, beautiful young woman and we just can't fathom life without her. Earl sometimes deals with why he is doing so well, while others are not.
We are planning to stay home and watch our Red Wings beat the Calgary Flames tonight....they really need and win and so does Earl.....So watch out all you Calgary fans...you might be crying in your beer tonight.
Debbie
Nov 12, 2009
Nov 4, 2009
Go Red Wings Osgood get's a SHUT OUT
Good Morning,
Earl is recovering quickly, so much so that he will most likely be coming home tomorrow. The Dr. said he was surgically ready to go home on Monday...but physically Earl (...and I ) thought he needed a few more days. Yesterday he was able to stand and transfer to the chair by himself and at physio he was able to hop up 3 stairs, which is important for getting home. I am a bit concerned that Earl will gain confidence to quickly and by doing so will neglect to remember he just had his chest cracked open. We will have to watch him closely so the bones have time to heal and knit together strongly. Earl will still not be able to use his crutches for another 7 weeks.
I am looking for friends and family to come over and visit Earl, so that I can get out, so call or drop us an email if you have time to spare. hopkins5@mts.net
The Detroit Red Wings had a great victory last night with a 3-0 win against Boston...so here's hoping it fuels them up for a win tomorrow and a chance to get back on the victory train.
Take care...and keep praying!
Debbie
Earl is recovering quickly, so much so that he will most likely be coming home tomorrow. The Dr. said he was surgically ready to go home on Monday...but physically Earl (...and I ) thought he needed a few more days. Yesterday he was able to stand and transfer to the chair by himself and at physio he was able to hop up 3 stairs, which is important for getting home. I am a bit concerned that Earl will gain confidence to quickly and by doing so will neglect to remember he just had his chest cracked open. We will have to watch him closely so the bones have time to heal and knit together strongly. Earl will still not be able to use his crutches for another 7 weeks.
I am looking for friends and family to come over and visit Earl, so that I can get out, so call or drop us an email if you have time to spare. hopkins5@mts.net
The Detroit Red Wings had a great victory last night with a 3-0 win against Boston...so here's hoping it fuels them up for a win tomorrow and a chance to get back on the victory train.
Take care...and keep praying!
Debbie
Nov 2, 2009
Surgery Went GREAT
Hi,
Surgery on Thursday went very well and they were able to remove all three tumors. Two in the upper left lobe and one in the middle right lobe. The Dr. had a good look and feel around and seems to be confident that he found everything that needed to go. That night he watched his Red Wings play....at 9pm can you imagine watching hockey after such major surgery!
Earl is recovering and what a fighter he is. They removed the epidural yesterday and may remove his pain pump today. He was up in the chair 2x yesterday and was able to be taken for a walk and sat up for supper. He still has his sense of humor and had the staff laughing last night.
He enjoys his visitors, and we are hoping to get a phone hooked up today.
Keep on praying and your prayers are being answered in this truly amazing young man's life.
Debbie
Surgery on Thursday went very well and they were able to remove all three tumors. Two in the upper left lobe and one in the middle right lobe. The Dr. had a good look and feel around and seems to be confident that he found everything that needed to go. That night he watched his Red Wings play....at 9pm can you imagine watching hockey after such major surgery!
Earl is recovering and what a fighter he is. They removed the epidural yesterday and may remove his pain pump today. He was up in the chair 2x yesterday and was able to be taken for a walk and sat up for supper. He still has his sense of humor and had the staff laughing last night.
He enjoys his visitors, and we are hoping to get a phone hooked up today.
Keep on praying and your prayers are being answered in this truly amazing young man's life.
Debbie
Oct 25, 2009
The Next Chapter................!
Hi Everyone,
Most of you know that the latest test revealed that Earl has more cancer in his lungs. He will be having surgery on Thursday, Oct 29 at 10:30 am at Health Science Center. The surgery is called a sternotomy and will involve the opening of his sternum to provide access to both lungs. It is a big surgery and the recovery is long, especially because of Earl's need for crutches. He will be off them for about 2 months.
We are also feeling very sad today because another one of our cancer friends has passed on. Billy Jo a lovely 38 year old mother of 2 boys and wife of Steve, lost her battle last Friday. Earl just does not know how to handle it when one of the people we have been supporting and praying for dies.
On a happier note, we just returned from yet another trip to Detroit...I think Earl has earned his Wings...his Red Wings that is. We arrived on Wednesday and attended the morning skate on Thursday, the game with our friend Billy Ritchie on Thursday night, and into the locker room after the game. Then the days that followed took on the same theme....HOCKEY. We also attended a game on Saturday night, after which we said good bye to the team. We did manage a tour of Detroit and a trip to The Ford Museum and church on Sunday. We also had dinner with my cousin's in Windsor. On Monday we headed home, but before we got on the plane we stopped in for a visit at Mt Sinai Hosp in Toronto. Earl was so happy to finally get to go there and not be nervous about surgery. We had a great visit with lots of our friends there and even met a new patient that Earl has already encouraged.
Please keep us in your prayers.....for it is your friendship, support and prayer, that keeps us going.
Debbie
Most of you know that the latest test revealed that Earl has more cancer in his lungs. He will be having surgery on Thursday, Oct 29 at 10:30 am at Health Science Center. The surgery is called a sternotomy and will involve the opening of his sternum to provide access to both lungs. It is a big surgery and the recovery is long, especially because of Earl's need for crutches. He will be off them for about 2 months.
We are also feeling very sad today because another one of our cancer friends has passed on. Billy Jo a lovely 38 year old mother of 2 boys and wife of Steve, lost her battle last Friday. Earl just does not know how to handle it when one of the people we have been supporting and praying for dies.
On a happier note, we just returned from yet another trip to Detroit...I think Earl has earned his Wings...his Red Wings that is. We arrived on Wednesday and attended the morning skate on Thursday, the game with our friend Billy Ritchie on Thursday night, and into the locker room after the game. Then the days that followed took on the same theme....HOCKEY. We also attended a game on Saturday night, after which we said good bye to the team. We did manage a tour of Detroit and a trip to The Ford Museum and church on Sunday. We also had dinner with my cousin's in Windsor. On Monday we headed home, but before we got on the plane we stopped in for a visit at Mt Sinai Hosp in Toronto. Earl was so happy to finally get to go there and not be nervous about surgery. We had a great visit with lots of our friends there and even met a new patient that Earl has already encouraged.
Please keep us in your prayers.....for it is your friendship, support and prayer, that keeps us going.
Debbie
Oct 4, 2009
Hi There Everyone,
Earl has been harassing me about getting his blog updated, so here it is. As you may remember Earl had a CT Scan done this past May and the results showed 2 tumors in his left lung. We waited somewhat patiently over the summer for the next Ct Scan and follow-up oncology appt. The results show that the 2 tumors have grown, one of which has doubled in size and a new tumor in his right lung. Earl has been referred to the thoracic surgeon ( Dr Unruh) and so we ask that you join us in praying that we get an appt soon and that he will agree to do the surgery.
I will update again soon, but really wanted to get all you prayer warriors out there to work.
Debbie
Earl has been harassing me about getting his blog updated, so here it is. As you may remember Earl had a CT Scan done this past May and the results showed 2 tumors in his left lung. We waited somewhat patiently over the summer for the next Ct Scan and follow-up oncology appt. The results show that the 2 tumors have grown, one of which has doubled in size and a new tumor in his right lung. Earl has been referred to the thoracic surgeon ( Dr Unruh) and so we ask that you join us in praying that we get an appt soon and that he will agree to do the surgery.
I will update again soon, but really wanted to get all you prayer warriors out there to work.
Debbie
Sep 1, 2009
Terry Fox Run 2009
Well Followers, it is time for the annual Terry Fox Run and as Terry and his Marathon of Hope have a special place in our heart we are
I share the following message with you, as I believe it reflects the core philosophy of this organization and one of the many reasons I choose to support it:
The Terry Fox Foundation firmly believes in its obligation to be fully transparent in all matters relating to fiscal reporting. With only 3 cents of every dollar raised going towards administration, and ten cents going towards fundraising costs, the Foundation is an industry leader in fundraising accountability.
Thank you in advance for your generosity and support of Earl's goal.
Earl speaks to Schools and communities around Winnipeg, it's surrounding area and just this past week in Calgary about his fight and is an inspiration to everyone who meets him. He has been labelled the Rain Man of hockey by those in the know of hockey and is good friends with Darren Dreger TSN hockey analyst and the coach of the Detroit Red Wings - Mike Babcock - with whom he communicates on a regular basis in regards to his amazing knowledge of hockey stats. He has recently added Kid Rock’s brother’s phone number to his cell phone. And while at the Red Wing’s Stanley Cup finals in Detroit he met some amazing people who paved his way to Calgary last week to attend the Team Canada Hockey Dinner. Our local and national media centres have done a number of stories about Earl. He is truly an amazing kid! Here is the link of the latest interview he did with shaw tv.
http://start.shaw.ca/start/enCA/videos/featuredvideos.htm?fvPgID={468EA86C-67B1-45BA-8D4A-99CC2F12410E}&fvTitle=Terry%20Fox%20Run%202009&href3D171C4BD6BC=mms%3A%2F%2Fprdmediax1.shaw.ca%2FStart%2FShawTV%2FWinnipeg%2FFRI_AUG14%2FW9374.wmv
- Earl Cook
If you want to join our team and run with us on September 13, please click here and register. Team name is Earl Cook Friends and Family – Winnipeg MB
http://www.terryfox.org/cgi/page.cgi/Works/find_an_event_site.html?prov=MB&evt=35831
http://www.terryfox.org/cgi/page.cgi/Works/participants.html/LAPDA2
I share the following message with you, as I believe it reflects the core philosophy of this organization and one of the many reasons I choose to support it:
The Terry Fox Foundation firmly believes in its obligation to be fully transparent in all matters relating to fiscal reporting. With only 3 cents of every dollar raised going towards administration, and ten cents going towards fundraising costs, the Foundation is an industry leader in fundraising accountability.
Thank you in advance for your generosity and support of Earl's goal.
Terry Fox started with a dream of raising one dollar per Canadian for cancer research....and Earl, and the care he has received is an example we can look to for the success of Terry's Dream.
Debbie
Aug 24, 2009
Team Canada Camp Here I come!!!!
Earl and Darby are about to set out on another trip of a lifetime, as Earl refers to his little hockey trips. They are leaving tomorrow for Calgary and the Team Canada Hockey Camp. I am not sure if I posted the story of the guys we met on our first trip to Detroit. We were on our way down to the dressing room after the game and part of group consisted of a group of Canadians from Calgary. While we were in the dressing room and Earl and Darby were flitting about in the back with the players...one of these guys came over to me and with great curosity asked me, "who are you and why are your boys so in with the players?" I told him Earls story and they were all happy to see how welcoming the Red Wings were. they were quite impressed with Mike Babcock and the Wings Organization for taking such an interest and going to the lengths that they were to give Earl a real time Hockey Experience. Soon I heard a request" Darby's mom...can you take some pictures of us?" cause here they are in the dressing room of the Stanley Cup Champs and no one has a camera. so I took a bunch of pictures, halled them out to the bench to take some more....and when we returned home I emailed the pictures to them. They were thrilled, because now they had proof and therefore bragging rights...with their friends and colleagues. I received a big thank you and a request to keep them up to date on Earl's health.
I recently emailed them an update telling them how Earl was doing and that he was hoping to come out to Calgary for the Team Canada camp. I received a reply with an invitation to join them in their suite at the Red/White game at the end of the camp. I told them I had to work out a few details and I would let them know if we were able to make the trip or not. The next email I recv'd said that they would like to help us make the trip...... As it turns out my new kitchen cabinets were the detail I was trying to work out and they are being delivered this Thursday...so I was not going to be able to take Earl. Darby is though and when I let this fellow know he replied that he/his company would love to fly Earl and Darby out to Calgary, put them up in a downtown hotel and meet them at the game on Thursday. They are ecstatic.....!!!!! The company's name is Plains Midstream Canada and they are ready to show these boys a memorable time. They will be picked up at the airport in a limo (Earl is so excited as he has never been in a limo beofre) We have spoken to Babs and he will get them into the practices on Wednesday and Thursday, and Plains Midstream has somehow obtained tickets for the boys to attend the Team Canada Dinner on Wednesday night. OOOOOOH I wish I could go too....but it's Darby's turn. They should have fun.
Aug 18, 2009
Believe in the Goal 2009
Hi Everyone,
Earl had a great time at the Believe in the Goal/ Super Summer Showdown hockey game. A big thank-you to Darren Helm and Donna Sutherland (Todd Davidson's aunt) for helping Earl and friends to meet some of the players.
On Wednesday Earl and I went to Larders Golf Club where the Golf Tournament portion of the fundraiser was held. We arrived before tee-off and as we wandered around Earl met a number of NHL & AHL players. Darren Helm, Jonathon Toews, Cam Barker, Nigel Daus, Jordan Tootoo, Alexandre Bolduc, Cory Schneide, Rejean Beachemin, and Ace Burpy!
The next evening we went to the Hockey Game at the MTS center, with friends Chris, 
Rob, and Earl and Ramona Reimer. It was so much fun 
and Earl's friends were excited as they were able to cash in on Earl's NHL and media connections, with a visit to the broadcast booth during the first intermission and a visit to the dressing room during the 2nd intermission. A good time was had by all and we have a few pictures to help us remember. I have to say it was very exciting to be in the dressing room with so many players from so many teams. If you didn't get a chance to see the game....mark it on your calendar for next year, as it truly was a great game and for a very worthy cause. Check out Todd's story by googling Believe in the Goal/ Todd Davidson.
Rob, and Earl and Ramona Reimer. It was so much fun 
and Earl's friends were excited as they were able to cash in on Earl's NHL and media connections, with a visit to the broadcast booth during the first intermission and a visit to the dressing room during the 2nd intermission. A good time was had by all and we have a few pictures to help us remember. I have to say it was very exciting to be in the dressing room with so many players from so many teams. If you didn't get a chance to see the game....mark it on your calendar for next year, as it truly was a great game and for a very worthy cause. Check out Todd's story by googling Believe in the Goal/ Todd Davidson.
Earl is also excited because he has been on the phone with Mike Babcock talking about the goalies for Team Canada.
Take care and I will have another update right away about the upcoming Terry Fox Run taking place on September 13 at Assiniboine Park.
Debbie
Aug 1, 2009
July Update 2009
Hi Everyone.
Another month has passed and I thought it time to give you an update. Earl is feeling more energetic these days and is excited about a number of things going on. Firstly he is getting revved up for the upcoming Terry Fox "Marathon of Hope" Run on Sept. 13. His team is already starting to grow, so check it out and add your name to the team. Secondly he is excited about his support team's first official meeting. We went to visit some friends at St. Boniface 5b, on Thursday and there ended up being 3 patients and Earl...so we decided that was enough to consider it our first group meeting.
One area of concern is our upcoming CT Scan and follow-up appointment with Dr. Wong. The last CT showed 2 nodules in Earl's left upper lobe and the next one will give us a better idea as to whether they are cancerous or not. If they are then an appt will be booked with the surgeon to see if he will operate and remove them.....Please keep this in your prayers.
Earl and I spent a week cooking out at Camp Nutimik earlier this month and it felt so good to be back serving the Lord in the kitchen. Earl was able to help out daily, but also was able to have a good rest. Earl was excited to share his faith story with 120 staff and campers, and the news we've had heard is that kids at camp are still talking about it....Way to Go Earl.
This Thursday Earl will be attending the "Super Summer Showdown" at the MTS Center with some friends. It is a fundraiser for Cancer in the name of Manitoba grown Todd Davison who played the game of hockey with tremendous speed and a big heart, never letting the big guys stop him. In 2004 on his graduation day from St. Paul's High School he also had a date with a doctor, who performed a biopsy on his left shoulder. Two days later he was introduced to his newest adversary - synovial sarcoma, a rare form of cancer that attacked the tissues surrounding the joint. Following months of extensive radiation and chemotherapy sessions, Todd underwent major surgery in March 2005 on his shoulder. This removed the tumor but left him with limited use of his left arm, and effectively ending his hockey career. Todd passed away in December 2006....which was the same time that I took Earl to the Pan am Clinic to have his sore knee looked at. Come and cheer on Jonathan Toews, Darren Helm, Cam Barker, Travis Zajac, Jordin Tootoo and many more as they put their talent and skills on display in a mid-summer all-star game at the MTS Centre to support young patients in Manitoba with Cancer. Tickets available through www.ticketmaster.ca.
Well take care
Debbie
Another month has passed and I thought it time to give you an update. Earl is feeling more energetic these days and is excited about a number of things going on. Firstly he is getting revved up for the upcoming Terry Fox "Marathon of Hope" Run on Sept. 13. His team is already starting to grow, so check it out and add your name to the team. Secondly he is excited about his support team's first official meeting. We went to visit some friends at St. Boniface 5b, on Thursday and there ended up being 3 patients and Earl...so we decided that was enough to consider it our first group meeting.
One area of concern is our upcoming CT Scan and follow-up appointment with Dr. Wong. The last CT showed 2 nodules in Earl's left upper lobe and the next one will give us a better idea as to whether they are cancerous or not. If they are then an appt will be booked with the surgeon to see if he will operate and remove them.....Please keep this in your prayers.
Earl and I spent a week cooking out at Camp Nutimik earlier this month and it felt so good to be back serving the Lord in the kitchen. Earl was able to help out daily, but also was able to have a good rest. Earl was excited to share his faith story with 120 staff and campers, and the news we've had heard is that kids at camp are still talking about it....Way to Go Earl.
This Thursday Earl will be attending the "Super Summer Showdown" at the MTS Center with some friends. It is a fundraiser for Cancer in the name of Manitoba grown Todd Davison who played the game of hockey with tremendous speed and a big heart, never letting the big guys stop him. In 2004 on his graduation day from St. Paul's High School he also had a date with a doctor, who performed a biopsy on his left shoulder. Two days later he was introduced to his newest adversary - synovial sarcoma, a rare form of cancer that attacked the tissues surrounding the joint. Following months of extensive radiation and chemotherapy sessions, Todd underwent major surgery in March 2005 on his shoulder. This removed the tumor but left him with limited use of his left arm, and effectively ending his hockey career. Todd passed away in December 2006....which was the same time that I took Earl to the Pan am Clinic to have his sore knee looked at. Come and cheer on Jonathan Toews, Darren Helm, Cam Barker, Travis Zajac, Jordin Tootoo and many more as they put their talent and skills on display in a mid-summer all-star game at the MTS Centre to support young patients in Manitoba with Cancer. Tickets available through www.ticketmaster.ca.
Well take care
Debbie
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Getting to know Earl
Earl and the Kickers
Earl's Trip To Minnie
Checking out the New Guys
Earl and Paul Lapolice