THUNDER BAY – If cancer can be beaten by enthusiasm, it is about to be pounded. Thunder Bay Superior North MP Michael Gravelle shared earlier today news of his battle with cancer. Michael Gravelle has been a rock-solid enthusiast for our community and region. In our editorials on NetNewsledger we have often referred to Minister Gravelle as the ‘Minister of Enthusiasm’.
As Michael Gravelle now faces a battle it is the hope of all of us that his enthusiasm and zest for living are more than a match for the disease.
There is a line of respect that NetNewsledger has taken with all of our local politicians. It is one of respect for each of the elected officials, and candidates that regardless of their political views, that we don’t get personal.
It is hard for many in Northern Ontario not to take cancer in any of the forms that it attacks residents without being personal. So many of us in our region have lost friends, lost family members, and seen how this disease impacts the lives of those we know and associate with.
The battles against cancer hit home in Thunder Bay on a local and a national level. From the Terry Fox monument to the friends, family members, and associates we all know who have fought cancer, this disease hits all of us close to home.
Premier McGuinty shares, “I was greatly concerned when Michael told me he had been diagnosed with lymphoma. Our entire caucus appreciates Michael’s good nature, his friendship and the steady hand of experience he provides to our government. Michael is passionate about serving in a portfolio that’s so vital to the North that he loves and the province that makes him proud. So it comes as no surprise that he is determined to continue serving Ontarians and the people of Thunder Bay-Superior North as he seeks treatment. My direction to him has been clear: Your health must come first, but we are grateful for all you’re able to continue doing in service to all of us. Our entire cabinet will stand ready to assist in any way we can.
We’re encouraged to hear Michael tell us that his doctors feel his is a treatable form of lymphoma and that the prognosis for a full recovery is good. Just as Michael has always been a source of optimism and confidence for our Ontario Liberal family, we’ll all remain optimistic and hopeful for Michael and his family and friends”.
Andrea Horwath the NDP leader adds, “”Ontario New Democrats send our best thoughts to MPP Michael Gravelle and his family during this challenging time. I was shocked to hear the news about his health, but happy to hear his confidence about treatment and to see the support of family and friends. I want to wish Michael a speedy recovery and look forward to his return to the Legislature.”
Sarah Campbell shares, “Like all northerners I was shocked and saddened to hear of Minister Gravelle’s health challenges. Over the past year I have been fortunate to work very closely with the Minister, both as MNR Critic and a fellow Northern MPP, and have a great deal of respect and admiration for him.
“On behalf of my constituents, all northerners and people across all of Ontario I would like to take this opportunity to wish Minister Gravelle a speedy recovery as he begins treatment for lymphoma. I look forward to working with him in the very near future once he has completed a full and speedy recovery”.
Right now, the Ontario Legislature is shuttered. There have been some hard fought partisan political fights going over that. Ontario however regardless of your political leanings needs people in office who put their enthusiasm and excitement front and centre. Michael Gravelle is one of those leaders.
Let us all hope that enthusiasm knocks out cancer.
This is perhaps, a great time to consider making a contribution to the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation to help in the battle. Those funds stay right here in our region to help make a difference.
James Murray