OUR NEXT MEETING IS THE HOLIDAY POT LUCK & SOCIAL EVENING AT 7:00 P.M., TUESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2004
It's that time of the year again. So let's kick back, relax, chat, enjoy a great buffet meal and jump & jive to the guitars and lyrics of member favorites Bruce Laing and Josh Crocker from Georgetown.
Bruce and Josh have played together for many years at spots in and around the GTA. You will recall that they really had the crowd swinging at our June 2004 Pot Luck and proved so popular that they were invited to play at the Canadian Cancer Society's 2004 Relay for Life. They have put together a concert specially for Us-Too! Brampton to liven up the December Pot Luck! So please bring along your favorite recipe and your dancing shoes! (Ken Gurnsey will be leading the Conga line.)
Please note that we are appealing for prizes for the Door Prize Raffle. Contact: Fred Norris, Chairman, (905) 877-8092 or e-mail fred.norris@ustoo-brampton.com with your contributions. Thanks for your continuing support!
We continue to meet in Room #2, The Terry Miller Recreation Center, 1295 Williams Parkway at the southwest corner of Williams Parkway & Bramalea Road. Parking is free.
 

NOVEMBER 9, 2004 "Radiation Therapy for Prostate Cancer - New Approaches"
This highly informative session by Dr. Padraig Warde, Associate Director Radiation Medicine Program, Princess Margaret Hospital attracted a crowd of some 75 members, wives and guests.
Using detailed color images, animated graphics and embedded videos in his presentation, Dr. Warde simplified many of the new radiation techniques now available, striving to reduce the "fear factor" about the high technology involved. This session would have greatly benefited any member opting for Radiation as he explained how many of the exciting new Radiation approaches and breakthroughs are offering hope for better outcomes.
Opening the session Dr. Warde explained that Radiation damages the chromosomes of a targeted cell, preventing cell division and growth and that it affects both cancerous and normal cells. He stated that given enough dosage he could cure any cancer - but "...the problem is keeping the patient alive afterwards". The goal of these new Technologies is to increase the dose of radiation to the prostate while protecting the normal healthy tissues around it.
In the past, the main diagnostic tool was X-ray imaging and radiation treatments used standard fields and shapes. Over the last 10 to 15 years many "New Toys" have become available, including such diagnostic tools as CT scanning and MRI, while radiation techniques have evolved to include individualized field shapes. The new radiation techniques not only permit increasing the radiation dosage to the target area but further enhancements can locate and track precisely, in 'real time', the prostate's position during each session. Accuracy on the order of a few millimeters is thus achievable and is getting better as Technology improves. Thus each treatment can be tailored specifically to the individual.
The topics Dr. Warde covered included: IMRT (Intensity Modulated Radiation therapy) and 3-D conformal Radiation Therapy, a technique which allows the radiologist to specify the precise volume of tissue to be irradiated so that it conforms closely to the cancerous area.
He went on to present statistical data and results of treatment to show that new technologies have reduced the toxicity of Radiation Therapy while at same time allowing radiation doses to increase by about 25%. Further improvements are expected in the future as research continues.
Dr. Warde took his audience into 'Technology's Front Yard' and explained the shape of things to come. He then fielded many questions and concerns from the audience. On the issue of funding he cautioned that funding for Prostate Cancer Research remains a major concern, especially in view of the many recent cutbacks. Members are encouraged to write to their MP's to support Prostate Cancer research programs. The intent should not be to detract from other programs but rather to lift Prostate Cancer Research to an equal footing with those other programs.
For those who missed this superb session or want to revisit the information we are pleased to offer secure download of Dr. Warde's slides. As well, an audio recording of the session will shortly be placed in the 'Audio Downloads' Section of our web site and be made available at the Brampton Library.
 

NOVEMBER 9, 2004 10th ANNIVERSARY PRESENTATION
Our November General meeting marked a momentous day for Us Too! Brampton, as the Chapter completed 10 years of successful operation and support to the community. The evening was full of surprises and great moments for all members but specially for Chairman Fred Norris, who has guided the group since its inception.
Unknown to Fred the steering committee had planned to honor him on this historic occasion with a very special memento, reminding him of his Lancaster Bomber days during the second world war. And also unknown to him, Fred's daughters had been invited to witness the presentation.
Gerry Brunjes, our Treasurer, took the floor to present a report on our finances, after which he then brought the spotlight to bear on the unsuspecting Fred, delivering the following address:
"Bear with me a moment while I tell you a true story.
When I was 5 to 6 years old, the boy who lived next door to us caught an obscure disease, which was never diagnosed. I caught it as well. He died. I didn't.
Years later, I asked my mother, “Why did he die, while I remained alive?”
Her reply was, "Perhaps you were spared for a job you will be needed to do later in your life".
If raising 3 kids who have presented me with 9 grandchildren qualifies, then I guess she was right. But, I'm still looking for my very special job, 70 years later. Perhaps my involvement with Us Too! Brampton is it. I have come to believe that the secret path to a happy existence lies in the old cliché, "Try to leave the world a little bit better off than you found it".
Don't you survivors agree that we may have been spared to put a little something back into this existence? And I don't mean money alone; I mean effort and imagination. There is one very special man who has been an inspiration for us in this regard. His name is Fred Norris.
(Amidst much cheering and clapping Fred came over, and was seated facing the members).
Fred was born in Canada and moved with his parents to England when he was seven years old. My math tells me that would be about 1932.
He was evacuated from London when war broke out, and spent his mid teen years in Devonshire.
At 17, in the middle of the war, he volunteered for service in the RAF, and became a flight engineer. He was obliged to put his life on the line many times, flying bombing missions over enemy territory and being shot at by anti aircraft guns and enemy fighter planes. Fred flew these missions in Lancaster bombers. You may have seen these amazing aircraft in the movie "The Dam Busters".
As you can imagine, just getting off the runway in an aircraft loaded with 20,000 plus lbs of high explosives was hazardous. And he survived 33 such takeoffs and landings while so many of his friends, acquaintances and fellow airmen did not.
How lucky we are. Here ladies and gentlemen, in our midst, is a real live hero in the fight for freedom.
Now... You may or may not know that tonight is the 10th Anniversary of the first meeting of the Brampton US Too! group. Your committee decided, on the membership's behalf, to honour the man who has guided this group through its entire life span.
You see, after 33 missions over enemy territory, Fred learned something...he was allowed to live doing a job where many have died, and as a result, he works selflessly to leave the world a bit better off than he found it.
On the occasion of this tenth anniversary, we have a gift for you Fred, from YOUR very grateful support group. Please accept this gift as a token of our sincere gratitude for a job well done!"
(At this point, a beautifully framed print of a Lancaster bomber was unveiled behind Fred.)
"The inscription reads ...... ‘Presented November 9th 2004 to Fred Norris by US TOO! Brampton, In gratitude for 10 years of leadership through
countless circuits and bumps. Outbound Lancaster crossing the East Coast.' "
A short PowerPoint presentation then followed, featuring the image of a Lancaster control panel and various pictures and sounds of World War II aircraft.
Mukul Luthra's complete article on the web site includes many pictures that capture the mood and moments of this historic day. An Audio download of Gerry's Speech and Fred's response will soon be downloadable from the web site and will be placed in the 'Meeting Archives' section for posterity.
Dr. Warde, the invited speaker for the evening, congratulated Fred and the group on our achievements.
Another congratulatory message was received from Dr. David Evans. It was read out at the meeting by Fred and appears in full on the web site. Excerpts follow:
"Dear Fred: Please accept my hearty congratulations to the Brampton US Too group. Even I find it hard to believe you have been going for ten years already.
I know from my contact with the group and now from my inside source how the group has helped so many individuals and couples deal with the devastating news of a malignancy which will affect the couple in ways they never thought about...."
"Again please pass on my congratulations to all the executive and members I’m proud to have had a small association with the group and Tillie always keeps me up to date. I realize from your bulletins you continue the high level of education of the members by the speakers you have coming to talk and this has been constant over the ten years. So please keep the tradition going" - David H. Evans.
 

"Lest We Forget" - Remembrance Day, Nov 11
One of our all time best meetings closed with the playing of "A Pittance of Time" by Terry Kelly, a moving Audiovisual presentation for Remembrance Day. The entire crowd stood in silent observance of this upcoming event.
So moved was the crowd by the power of Kelly's message that several requests for it were received from members who were pointed to his web site for downloads: http://www.terry-kelly.com. Remembrance Day may be over for now but the song's message remains valid; we must never forget!
 

A Message from the Chair
The November meeting was originally planned as a 10 year anniversary featuring Dr. Beheshti, who was the leading personality in attendance at our inaugural meeting in 1994. First came a last-minute cancellation from Dr. Beheshti and then a mad search for a replacement speaker. We were very fortunate to get Dr. Padraig Warde at such short notice.
In the meantime the Steering Committee had without my knowledge planned to kick off the evening in a very different way. What a wonderful surprise!!!!!! Yes I was lost for words and felt very humble among you all. The picture is a treasure and will always remind me of my youth and of why we are here today. My sincerest thanks to you all.
Chairman, Fred Norris, (905) 877-8092 e-mail fred.norris@ustoo-brampton.com.

 

2004-2005 GUEST SPEAKERS
Our speakers and events for the remainder of the 2004 - 2005 season are:
Tuesday, January 11, 2005 - Dr. S. D. Sehdev, Oncologist, will discuss the latest in chemotherapy treatment.
Tuesday, February 8, 2005 - Robert Bell, William Osler Health Center CEO, will speak on "The Hospitals - The Old and the New" (To be Confirmed)
Your suggestions for interesting speakers to fill the balance of our 2004 - 2005 season are requested!
Mukul Luthra, Speaker Committee, (519) 853-4075, e-mail mukul.luthra@ustoo-brampton.com

NEW MEMBER MEETINGS
New Member meetings are held on the fourth Tuesday of each month at Suite 304, 57 Mill Street. The next two scheduled meetings will be held between 6:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 23 and on Tuesday, December 21 (ONE WEEK EARLIER THAN NORMAL).
Please be sure to phone ahead to confirm your attendance and receive directions to the meeting. Please contact: Sean Butterly, Special Consultant at (905) 454-4237 or Chairman, Fred Norris, at (905) 877-8092 e-mail fred.norris@ustoo-brampton.com.

FINANCE
Our Theatre Night presentation of Neil Simon's "The Odd Couple" (Female Version) was tremendously successful, with 239 tickets sold. We added nearly $3,600 to our Treasury to further our awareness efforts.
Thanks to all of you who helped to make this such a successful fund raiser! And special thanks to Kerry Ullrich, Manager of the Starbucks Coffee stores at Trinity Common and Main & Bovaird for providing the coffee and supplies.
- Sincerely, Gerry Brunjes, Finance, (905) 791-3043, e-mail gerry.brunjes@ustoo-brampton.com.
 

US TOO! BRAMPTON 5th ANNUAL CHARITY GOLF TOURNAMENT, JUNE xx, 2005
Peter Barhydt, our Golf Convener for the 2005 Tournament, held the first Golf Committee meeting on November 4. Their first task is to locate a venue that can be reserved for an appropriate date. We will have more information in the January Newsletter.
Contact: Peter Barhydt: (905) 459-8516, peter.barhydt@ustoo-brampton.com OR Fred Norris: (905) 877-8092, fred.norris@ustoo-brampton.com.
 

THIS IS YOUR NEWSLETTER - PLEASE PARTICIPATE
As you have gathered, I love to see myself in print, but I'd rather edit your items than write my own. PLEASE feel free to send items of interest or to complain about the content or lack thereof of this newsletter. Submissions are welcome: E-mail jim.dorsey@ustoo-brampton.com OR "Snail Mail" J. Dorsey, 5 Lisa Street, Suite 908, Brampton L6T 4T4.

CHECK OUT OUR WEB SITE - www.ustoo-brampton.com
Mukul Luthra, our Multimedia Specialist, has outdone himself this month. Despite being severely under the weather, he has spent many, many hours updating the web site with articles, photos, video clips and other new features. We owe him much thanks for his tireless efforts!
Contact Mukul Luthra, (519) 853-4075, e-mail mukul.luthra@ustoo-brampton.com.