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21-month cancer battle
Antoniuk a veteran at social distancing By Mark Ribble A little over 21 months ago, Alan Antoniuk started to feel tired and run down. The lethargic feeling brought him home from work and straight into the shower, then to bed, on most nights. “It was total exhaustion”, he said. But, as any other “bullheaded farmer from the marsh” would do, Antoniuk ignored it for as long as he could. In the back of his mind, he knew something wasn’t quite right, but he stuck it out. His throat started to feel like he had about 40 popcorn kernels stuck in it. “I’d work all week and then lie in bed all day Saturday”, he said. When his neck produced a swelling around his lymph nodes, he decided he’d better get to a doctor. They did a whirlwind of tests over a six-week period last spring and the news came swiftly. “Stage four cancer”, he said. “They told me to get my affairs in order.” Antoniuk was told that
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his lymph nodes on both sides were affected and there was cancer in his throat. The outlook was bleak, but he decided that he’d go through with the treatment. “Without the support of my grandson, daughter and all my family and friends, I would not have made it this far”, he said. He got the diagnosis in May, with treatment scheduled to start in August. It was a summer of wondering what was going to become of his life, but he faced it head-on. Antoniuk began treatment just after Hogs for Hospice last year, with 35 rounds of radiation and three of the strongest chemotherapy treatments known to man. “I’ve been through a lot in my life, but nothing compared to that”, he said. “It was the toughest thing I’ve ever been through physically.” As the fall of 2019 rolled along, he was pretty much under quarantine as his system tried its best to accept the treatments. He lost 78 pounds and had no taste buds. He went out three times, but was otherwise bedridden. A benefit party in his honour just before Christmas, made Antoniuk realize just how precious friends and family are. Five locals got together to plan the benefit. He’s grateful to Marcy McIntosh, Shawn Bodle, Christine Honey, Kirsty Leathem and Todd MacVicar ANTONIUK - Page 2
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KEEPING A WATCHFUL EYE
This pair of bald eagles kept a watchful eye along Deer Run Road between Leamington and Wheatley on Saturday, as they were spotted by numerous passers-by. Diana Hastings has seen them a couple of times, but was finally able to get a photograph for the first time on Saturday as they sat perched together high above the creek. Submitted photo
Community is wrapping its arms around Erie Shores HealthCare By Mark Ribble Erie Shores Healthcare (ESHC) remains locked in a battle with COVID-19 and all indications are that the situation will continue for the foreseeable future. The South Essex community has rallied around the hospital in recent weeks, providing much needed equipment, food and monetary donations. Arms Bumanlag, Director of Communications and Public Relations at ESHC, told the Sun that many donations have come in and they are grateful. “We definitely want people and businesses to contribute”, he said. “We’re in this together and for the long haul.” Bumanlag is coordinating any food and equipment donations, along with the Erie Shores Health Foundation. He says it’s important to spread things out a bit. “I am coordinating dates and times, so that we don’t have a stockpile at the beginning and nothing at the end of this battle,” he said. So far, three substantial monetary
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donations to the COVID-19 Response Fund from Aphria Inc, Double Diamond, Sunbrite/Unico/Primo and the Sun Parlor Rodeo have made a real impact in allowing ESHC to purchase much needed supplies. High Park Farms Leamington has also donated personal protective equipment at a time when it is needed most. So far, many local restaurants and other establishments have stepped up to help with food for the staff. The Grove Brewhouse, Green Heart Kitchen, The Main Grill & Ale House, Jack’s Gastropub, Mettawas Station, Freddy’s, The Butcher of Kingsville, Vernon’s Tap & Grill, Joey’s Restaurant Leamington, Jose’s Bar and Grill, Amando’s Leamington, Lakeside Bakery, Bradt’s Butcher Block, Rob’s BBQ, Carmen’s Catering, Mezzo 150, Mezzo 200, Portuguese Club, Leamington Roma Club and Century 21 Erie Shores Realty have all made food donations, with many more scheduled to help out COMMUNITY - Page 2
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