Jerry’s Journey

On June 21 and 22 I (David Ahrens) will be participating in the first ever “Ride to Conquer Cancer” to support research at the Princess Margaret Hospital.  This ride is dedicated to and in memory of my Father who passed away last November.

This 200km journey over two days from Toronto to Niagara Falls is an important step to building awareness, doing the right thing, and healing the wounds of our family’s loss.

Please support this worth cause at www.conquercancer.ca.

We experienced a devastating loss yesterday morning at 4:30am, Jerry (Dad) passed away. We will miss him deeply and sadly, but he will never, ever be forgotten. Love you Dad.

AHRENS, Jerry John - Passed away peacefully after a brave and courageous battle with Cancer at the Ross Memorial Hospital, Lindsay on November 25th, 2007 at the age of 73. Jerry was the beloved husband of Rochelle Ahrens, of 42 years. Loving father of Shelley Travis (David) of Port Perry, David Ahrens of Jackson’s Point, and Heather Ahrens (Carman Guthrie) of Fenelon Falls. Cherished grandfather of Matthew Ahrens. Survived by his sisters Gerda (Ruud), and Anna-Wies of Holland, Johanna Clara of Italy, and brother Jan George (Ans) of Holland. Predeceased by his parents Jan George Sr. (1996) and Wies (2000). Jerry is also survived by his sisters-in-law Bev and Joan of Sudbury, Harriet of Montreal, and brothers-in-law Harry of Sudbury and the late Jimmy Haddow. Jerry will be sadly missed by all his relatives and friends. Visitation will be held at the Mackey Funeral Home, 33 Peel St., Lindsay, on Tuesday from 7-9 pm. Funeral service will be held in the chapel on Wednesday November 28th at 4 pm. Following cremation a private family interment will take place at Riverside Cemetery. Memorial donations to the Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated by the family (to donate, click on the link on the left hand navigation bar). Thank you to the Triathlon Group associated with son David as you all made a difficult time much easier.

This week I received a copy of a letter that my MPP (Julia Munro - York-Simcoe) sent to George Smitherman addressing the need for Avastin in Ontario. (Peter Van Loan, MP, was also cc’d).

Julia Munro’s responsiveness and action is commendable, so hopefully, Mr. Smitherman responds in an equally as timely fashion. To date, all other communications directly to Mr. Smitherman have essentially gone unanswered.

Julia’s letter reads: “Dear Mr. Smitherman: This letter is on behalf of one of my constituents who wishes to know why the Ministry of Health will not provide Avastin treatment for cancer patients. A copy of his letter is enclosed. I would appreciate it if you would review my constituent’s letter and inform him why this treatment is not provided and if you have any plans to change your policy. Please respond directly to my constituent with a copy to my riding office. Sincerely, Julia Munro, MPP, York North)”

Just wanted to share this communication and of course encourage you all to simply email or call your MPs and MPPs to take action.

Many thanks!