The Tomorrow Project – Are you In 4 Tomorrow?

I have just signed up for the Tomorrow Project, and I’m happy to participate.

Haven’t heard of it?  Me either until just recently.

The Tomorrow Project is a very large, long term research project of Alberta Health Services, part of a larger Canadian study, to help scientists gain knowledge of the causes of cancer.  The Alberta organizers of this study are looking for 50,000 people to participate.  You must be between the ages of 35 – 69, and have not been diagnosed with cancer.

Cancer.  The Big C.  All of us know someone who has struggled with cancer, and all of us know someone who has lost that fight.  

About 50% of us can expect to develop cancer in our lifetime.  About one in four will die of cancer.

Alberta Health Services says that “among Albertans in the productive age group of 35 – 69, cancer is the leading cause of death – 39% of all deaths, more than cardiovascular disease, stroke, infectious diseases and accidental injury combined.”

"Other large, long-term studies have taught us that high cholesterol and high blood pressure were risk factors for heart disease and stroke. We now monitor and treat people for those conditions, meaning that fewer people die prematurely. If we can do the same for cancer, the benefit from The Tomorrow Project is likely to be immense." – says Dr. Paula Robson, principal investigator for the Tomorrow Project.

All of us want to leave a legacy for our children and grandchildren.  Participation in this study can be part of that legacy.  Maybe you can play a role in making cancer insignificant for future generations.

I am excited to tell you that all of my Town of Killam Council colleagues are on board with this initiative and have issued a challenge to our community, as well as our neighboring communities, to participate if they can.

Think you may want to sign up?  It’s easy – visit www.in4tomorrow.ca or call 1-877-919-9292 to learn more.

Are you in 4 tomorrow?  I am.

Cheers,

Bud James

Killam Hall of Fame Awards

Recently my wife Tammy & I attended, and I was honored to participate in, the Killam Hall of Fame Awards Banquet.

This year the committee nominated four individuals to the Hall of Fame –

Moon Get – A Chinese businessman who, with his family, ran a restaurant in Killam for over 30 years in the early part of the 20^th century.  It has been said that Moon Get provided many meals at no charge to those less fortunate over the years.

William Halsall – an early resident of Killam District who was instrumental in forming the Willow Hollow Co-operative, which became the Killam Co-op.  This was the first Co-op in Alberta.  Killam Co-op is now part of the Wild Rose Co-operative serving communities from Camrose to Hardisty.  Halsall was also a big part of early credit unions in Alberta.

Evelyn Kueber – a proud supporter of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and the Killam Health Care Centre.  She is a tireless volunteer in our community.

Allan Wallace – also a tireless supporter.  Al has been involved in many ways to make Killam a better place, from organizing a cleaning work bee in the park to serving for a number of years as Mayor.

It was very interesting to hear about the contributions of these folks to their community.  They should be proud of their accomplishments, as should their families. 

It is people like these, who step up when they can to do something for their community, that make Killam what it is today.  Every small town or village has a similar story. 

Volunteers are the lifeblood of any community.  I’m not saying we all should give to the extent these folks have, but if each of us does what we can won’t our communities be  great places to live & work?

We should celebrate those who roll up their sleeves & volunteer for any job, either by formal recognition, or by a handshake & a thank you.

What do you think?

Cheers,

Bud James