Giles Lalonde

Hi, my name is Jesse Lalonde and I would like to raise money for my father Giles Lalonde. Giles has been receiving chemotherapy treatments for stage 3 rectal cancer since April. He has two more sessions remaining. After a two-week break, he will start 25 consecutive days of chemotherapy and radiation. The goal is to have surgery to remove his tumour sometime in November.

For those of you that don't know my father, Giles is a throwback to another time. He has dedicated his life to working with and protecting the natural environment. Giles spent the last 40 years living on a quarter section of land outside Spiritwood Sk, turning it from potential farm and pasture land into a thriving forest ecosystem. As a tree planter, he was one of the first ever to plant over 1 000 000 trees. He maintained a beaver trap line for several years and worked many seasons clearing brush. Age has done nothing to slow him down, as for the past 10 years he has worked as a camp worker in Ness Creek and in a hunting camp in northern SK. Most recently, he has worked closely with the Nature Conservatory of Canada to train workers in forestry skills and to help protect forests and wetlands of western Canada.

More importantly, Giles has been a loving, caring, and supportive father to me and my two brothers, Orion and Lucas. I am proud to say that in November, Giles became a grandfather to my son Jasper Lalonde. Giles met Jasper for the first time in March, just a few weeks before starting chemotherapy. It was the happiest I have ever seen him.

I would like to take this opportunity to recognize my Uncle Merv and Aunt Vicki Bender who have selflessly opened up their home and supported him through this very difficult time. They have driven him to countless appointments, provided healthy meals, and most importantly been an emotional support throughout this journey. If he is to win this battle, it will be thanks to their kindness, generosity, and courage.

The cancer, chemotherapy, and radiation have been extremely hard on my father. Unfortunately, there have been far more bad days than good. Despite the constant pain and discomfort, Giles remains positive and is determined to keep fighting. It is my hope that any money raised will go to making his life a little easier as he continues to fight. Donations will support travel and medical costs as well as his extended loss of income. Thank you so much for your support. Any donation big or small will be greatly appreciated.

August 31 Update

I am pleased to add a positive update regarding Giles' progress. He has finally completed his months of chemotherapy and radiation. His most recent news from the doctor indicates that his body has responded well to the treatment. He will now have a couple month break from treatments and if all goes well he will have surgery to remove his tumour. Giles is overcome with feelings of gratitude for all of the support and encouragement he has received.

October 23 Update

Giles had successful surgery on October 20th to remove the tumour. He is still recovering in the hospital, but should be returning to Prince Albert shortly. We are anxiously awaiting test results to find out if he is now cancer free.