Kind waters, warm tides

By Doreen Marion Gee

Recently, I was reminded of why I am proud to be a James Bay girl. On May 19, a fundraiser was held at James Bay New Horizons to help a young man stricken with cancer in the prime of his life. I saw a community united in compassion and kindness. But then, James Bay has always been that kind of place: one that cares about and takes care of its own.

Our community is rallying around Chris Millan. I was immediately taken by his sweet persona and youthful charm. Chris has the same kind of cancer that afflicted Terry Fox. The disease struck with little warning. Last December, Chris awoke one morning with a very painful swollen ankle - an area that was previously injured. After various diagnoses, he finally got the correct one after a biopsy in Vancouver: osteosarcoma or cancer of the bone. Even after chemotherapy, Chris is scheduled to undergo surgery in July where the bottom of his leg will be amputated below the knee. A long period of recovery and rehab will follow where he will be fitted with an artificial limb. Chris describes what it is like to have cancer at twenty-five: "It is really hard. It sucks because I am twenty-five and going through this! I have to put my world on hold: I can't even walk to get a glass of water." But he says that there has been some positives: a real awareness of his priorities and what really matters in his life.

The fundraising efforts are for the ongoing expenses that Chris cannot afford. For example, he needs a special lightweight cast immediately which costs $80. The medical system only pays for the bare bones basics. Chris does not want to miss out on technology that will give him a better quality of life - but those costs are beyond his reach. After the first standard prosthesis post-surgery, he will need new artificial limbs for running and swimming that are not covered by our medical plan.

The James Bay community has put its collective arms around this young man who works as a teller at our community Bank of Montreal. Community residents and BMO staff and customers came together to raise money to help Chris. Jim Hill and Don Hume, BMO customers, spearheaded the whole fundraising drive. Sherri Nilsson from BMO arranged for Chris' friends to be there. Patrons and staff of New Horizons worked hard to show their support. Many James Bay-ites donated cash and clothes for the sale. Local businesses donated food and money. Chris was very moved: " It has turned into this amazing thing! It is so busy today. I am so surprised at how many people really care!"

Chris was very candid in his appreciation of our seaside village. "It is the magic of James Bay with people coming together. People really care about each other here."  He offers a very heartfelt "Thank you" to the community. "It really warms my heart to see everybody come together to help me! I love everybody for what they have done for me." What goes around comes around. From my conversations, it appears that Chris has had a positive impact on other lives here. One person told me about how much he had helped her on one occasion.

It certainly replenished my spirit to see the caring and generosity of local people. The May event was packed. Many people stopped with warm wishes for Chris and the donation jars quickly filled. Sometimes it takes a sense of urgency for people to act. But underneath the satin ocean splendour and gold-tinged scenery in James Bay lies a deeper beauty - a rich reservoir of good-hearted people willing to do what it takes to help someone in distress. In my recollection, our community has always been this way. Maybe it has something to do with our activist roots and a need to make things right.

The fundraising push is ongoing. If you want to help Chris in his recovery, please donate to a special account set up for him at the Bank of Montreal in James Bay. Their address is 230 Menzies Street; phone number is 250-389-2441. Anyone can donate at the bank and/or write Chris a note or send a cheque to the branch.

Photos by Doreen Marion Gee