A letter from the Perry family

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Sunday, April 5th 2009

Sunday March 29, 2009.

Dear Mr. Gabe Keough, the Coaches, Trainers, and Staff of the Summerside Western Capitals;

This is a letter I have been meaning to write since last Fall, a letter of gratitude. For how can people know how much they touch your lives, unless you let them know?

The whole experience that you gave Christopher in taking him with you for your game against the Halifax Lions last autumn will live with him as a bright memory forever. His face glowed with happiness for days afterwards. Even now it brings happiness to him. That the date landed on the last day of radiation made it an extra celebration for him.

Since that time Christopher has continued on with active chemotherapy and has had surgery on his leg. (His leg from the first cancer broke and had to be fixed and reconstructed.) With all the flu in his school and his treatments, Christopher has not been able to go to school, and he has not been with his peers very much. Your acceptance of Christopher has given him a sense of belonging, and your acknowledgement of him as your #1 Fan has given him a sense of purpose beyond the medical situation. Thank You!!

People with cancer can feel very isolated, particularly the second time around. You, as a team, have reached out and crossed that invisible barrier.. That is so meaningful, and says so much about you, as a team, and as individuals. Christopher often has no trouble expressing himself when he is feeling well, as you may have noticed {grin}, and he tells everyone that he is not particularly a hockey fan, but that he is a (dedicated) Caps fan. The joy he feels and expresses at your hockey games helps to carry him through the difficult times he has been experiencing this year.

The Summerside Western Capitals have the respect of our family, and, of so many others. Never doubt that. That you are talented players (and coaches) is obvious. Your team radiates so much more than that though, and perhaps that is what Christopher is drawn most to, for he has those same qualities - the ability to focus and get it done; the passion for life's experiences; and a toughness and stubbornness from within to get through pain and difficulties to achieve what you want the most.

Thank you Summerside Western Capitals for being who you are. You were there for my young son during his first battle with cancer, and you have been there very much for him during this second round. I was just reflecting last night on the "coincidence" that two years ago both Christopher and the team were in similar spots as they are now - Christopher battling cancer and you battling for the Championships. Both of you are giving your all for Ultimate Victory!! May Christopher, and you, the Summerside Western Capitals, each achieve the very best results this year, and enjoy the victories well earned.

Sincerely With Gratitude,

Dianne Perry