Message from Waldron . . .

On October 7, 2009, I was taken by an ambulance to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Charlottetown. An issue developed suddenly and I continue to be grateful for the help from the paramedics. In the trauma unit, I received excellent care from the emergency physician, a family doctor - who is a Leard cousin, and a surgeon. The care from the nurses, housekeeping and volunteers could not have been better. Tests were immediately scheduled. A diagnosis has determined that I had malignant cancer. It was not a trifling matter and I required surgery.

I continue to be open about it all. I am speaking my mind. It doesn't matter to me who knows. I appreciate the messages and support from family, friends and acquaintances.

There were many queries come in regarding the status of ekpei.ca. My immediate family had enough to cope with. Therefore it continued under the guidance of Souris High web master, photographer and extraordinary friend - Shane MacClure. Once I entered the hospital, Shane concentrated on having a photo of the day for your enjoyment each and every day. Our photographers continued to send photos of the day to him. The same rules will applied.

While in the hospital, Shane placed updates on my facebook page. E-mails regarding this site were not answered until I felt able after a period of recovery.

Tim Oulton at TKO Computer Services assisted in having the site run smoothly day in and day out. Our site is surrounded by friends. Tim is married to a daughter of man who was one of my father's many friends. Dad trusted Dan a great deal. Trust does transcend generations. Tim has provided us with outstanding service and continues to keep an eye things for us.

ekpei.ca will continue to grow. Yet another of our long standing friends and site supporters, Lynn Morrow, typed a myriad of historical and news stories throughout the fall and winter. Please continue to check for items new to the site about Eastern Kings. Waldron's wanderings in the Eastern Graphic continues.

The photo contest continues into 2010 without interruption. Entries will be accepted right to the deadline, but may take a few days to appear on-line. The judges are aware of the situation. Fred, a great community person and friend, has been helping us all year with everything that has happened and is another supporter and photographer.

I had an excellent surgeon, and have great follow-up care. He has experience with this issue. He takes the time to listen and answers my questions and concerns. I trust him to see through this, so that I can describe the situation as a mere bump on the road.

I wish to say I am grateful to everyone who has supported the Cancer Society Terry Fox Runs, Run for the Cure, etc. over the years - not just for me, but for everyone. We have lost family and friends through this insidious disease. I also have many role models to follow for they are now cancer free. I know everyone's efforts have assisted greatly in research. I have hopes for a positive future and for to live on with better health for many years.

We here at 12 Heritage Lane will continue to support all efforts, in any way we are capable. We have everyone we know that has this issue constantly in our thoughts and prayers. We invite each of you to do what you can for others. See the links for information. Take good care . . .

You are invited to nominate a Volunteer of the Week for this site by e-mailing the Communities of Eastern Kings webmaster. Three volunteers, residing elsewhere in P.E.I., but with strong connections to area will review the submissions and submit the weekly selection to the webmaster.

The communities of Eastern Kings recognizes its volunteers in many ways. In 2004 a new Canada Day Recognition Awards Program was instituted honouring our Volunteers in Eastern Kings. Click here to view past recipients of this program as well as the names of individuals living in the area, who have received Provincial, National and International recognition, in the past.