This year, Grand River Classic wanted to highlight why our team is dropping the gloves against cancer by sharing our stories. We will be doing a weekly series sharing our team’s personal Fight Behind the Game. Each week, we will highlight a couple GRC members and the loved ones who have been impacted by cancer, whether they are survivors or those honouring someone they’ve lost.
Because behind every player, every jersey, and every game, there’s a story worth fighting for. 💜
Ryan Cook
Co - President
My mom, Lori, was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2016, beginning a long journey that has challenged her both physically and mentally. Over the years, I’ve watched her face incredibly difficult moments and continue to overcome them with strength, courage, and positivity. Watching your own mom battle cancer and continue to fight through everything is something that has had a lasting impact on me.
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Throughout her journey, she would always tell us, “Don’t worry about a thing, because every little thing is gonna be alright.” Yes, it’s from a Bob Marley song, but it became something our family lived by and helped us stay positive through the entire process. Those words mean so much to me that I even have them tattooed on my arm as a constant reminder.
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My mom’s strength is a huge reason why the Grand River Classic means so much to me. Cancer is such a horrible word that has affected so many people and families, but GRC gives us an opportunity to shed a positive light on something so difficult. It brings people together, creates hope, and allows us to make a difference. My mom’s journey reminds me exactly why we do this and why we keep fighting.
Jake Starkman
Co - President
My Aunt Allison, or “Auntie Ali,” was diagnosed with appendix cancer in 2021. What seemed like a routine case of appendicitis quickly became a diagnosis of an extremely rare and aggressive form of cancer. Watching her navigate such a difficult experience while continuing to be the same loving and positive person she has always been is something I will never forget.
My Uncle Adam, or “Uncle Fuzzy,” was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2019. For the past four years, he has served on the Humber River Hospital Patient and Family Advisory Committee, where he works alongside others to advise the cancer care department from a patient and family perspective. From helping develop peer support initiatives to exploring new ways to support patients throughout treatment, he has used his own experience to help improve the care and experience of others. In his words, “It’s giving back to the hospital and the community through the Patient and Advisory Committee to help and advise the faculty as to how to improve a patient’s experience.”
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Auntie Ali and Uncle Fuzzy are two people I look up to immensely. Their strength and resilience have shown me that even in the face of something as difficult as cancer, there is an opportunity to create hope, help others, and make a difference. They inspire me to work hard, chase my dreams, and continue giving back, which is a huge part of why the Grand River Classic means so much to me.
Jake's Aunt Allison (Auntie Ali)
Jake's Uncle Adam (Uncle Fuzzy)
Emily Rakic
Executive Vice President
My cousin, Kristina, who we called Tina, was diagnosed with lung cancer at a very young age. She spent time in and out of SickKids and attended Camp Oochigeas, where she had the opportunity to be herself and connect with other kids who understood what she was going through. Tina sadly passed away in 2013 at just 18 years old.
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I was very young when Tina passed, so I barely remember much of her experience, but I have grown up seeing the impact her loss has had on my family. Even years later, her absence is still felt, and I have seen how much grief her passing has caused the people who loved her. In her honour, my family continues to participate in the Camp Ooch 10K each year, helping keep her memory and spirit alive.
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Tina is a big part of why Grand River Classic means so much to me. Her story reminds me that behind every cancer statistic is a person and a family, and why continuing to support cancer research and the fight against cancer is so important.