Third quarter gains for Sydenham Tackles Cancer

Sep 29, 2011

Photo: Matt Rennie, Stephanie Laurin, Cindy Woodcox, Mickayla and Kelly Green-Meadus and Karl Hammer

Now in its third year, the Sydenham Tackles Cancer fundraiser once again fulfilled its aims of raising awareness, funds and remembering two very special young men, Andy Green and Mike Woodcox, both former Sydenham High School students and football players who succumbed to cancer years ago.

Attendees filled the gym at Sydenham High School on September 23 for an evening of live music, courtesy of local bands Bauder Road and Still Standin’, a silent auction, and, in between musical sets, the first ever “Chuck-a-puck” contest. In attendance were event organizers Stephanie Laurin, Matt Rennie and Karl Hammer, numerous friends of Andy and Mike and, of course, members of the Green and Woodcox families. Mike's Mom, Cindy Woodcox, took a break from greeting guests and spoke to me of the importance the event holds for her and her family. “This of course is a very special event for us and it is really great to see so many of Mike and Andy's friends from years ago. Though Mike was a pretty shy guy until you got to know him, he was also a real people person and I know he would be very proud of this event and what it stands for,” Cindy said.

Mickayla Green-Meadus, Andy's niece and a grade 10 student at SHS, was also on hand selling bracelets to augment the ticket sales and she recalled her hero, Uncle Andy, who was like a second father to her. “He had a amazing sense of humour, was always smiling and never believed in the word 'can't' and always showed incredible strength and courage throughout his battle with cancer,” she said.

Andy's sister Kelly spoke of the two families’ decision this year to use the funds raised to support patient care at KGH. “Not only is facing the disease difficult, but financially for Andy and our family, it was also not easy. Not only are you battling the illness and undergoing surgeries and treatments (Andy had three major surgeries and numerous chemotherapy treatments), but because Andy owned his own home and worked in a family business and had no health benefits, it made things even more difficult. People don't realize that there are a lot of costs that many families find difficult to afford, so this year we decided to donate the funds to help patients and families get the services they need.”

Karl Hammer, who spearheaded the event three years ago and who teaches in the School to Community class at SHS, remains steadfast in his goal to create awareness and support for those in the community affected by cancer, as well as his goal to keep the memory of Mike and Andy alive. “I played football with both of them. Both were pretty quiet guys and amazing athletes and the thing that struck me most is the sad fact that cancer takes anyone. So with this event we are not only celebrating their lives and their courage but are also aiming to help others in the community who are facing and battling cancer and are in need of support.”

Funds raised this year totaled over $5,000 and together with the donations made in the last two years, which were matched 9:1, the total raised to date is roughly $75,000. Anyone who would like to donate can do so by contacting Karl Hammer at SHS at 613-376-3612, ext. 332.