Our Video "It's a Family Affair"

On December 17, 2009 a $21,500 Ontario Trillium Foundation Grant was given to the Thunder Bay Prostate Cancer Support Group to develop a video to help prostate cancer survivors and their families deal with issues arising from prostate cancer and its treatment.

Michael Gravelle, MPP for Thunder Bay-Superior North and Bill Mauro, MPP for Thunder Bay-Atikokan, joined OTF representative Keith Nymark in congratulating the Thunder Bay Prostate Cancer Support Group at a photo session held at the 55 Plus Centre.

"It is so important to recognize the role of the family and friends in dealing with a diagnosis such as prostate cancer," said MPP Gravelle. "This video will help bring much needed education and support to families, which will in turn benefit prostate cancer patients themselves," said MPP Michael Gravelle.

"Having introduced two Private Member's Bills on prostate cancer, I am pleased by the announcement of today's funding," said MPP Bill Mauro. "Grass roots advocacy and education can play a significant role in bringing awareness to health issues and I congratulate the Thunder Bay Prostate Cancer Support Group for their efforts."

The OTF funding will be used to produce an awareness video titled "It's a Family Affair", to be created by well known Thunder Bay video producer Jim Hyder with the assistance of the local Prostate Cancer Support Group. This will be Mr. Hyder's second video on the subject of prostate cancer.

"One in six men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime and over 4,400 men will die from this disease in 2009," said Bill Vantour, President of the Thunder Bay Prostate Cancer Support Group. "Prostate cancer is the most common cause of cancer death in men next to lung cancer. The video will assist men and their families understand and cope with the disease, and its treatment side effects."

Established in 2002, the Thunder Bay Prostate Cancer Support Group's objectives are to maintain awareness programs on prostate cancer and the need for early detection, to provide support to prostate cancer survivors and their families, to establish satellite prostate cancer support groups throughout Northwestern Ontario, and to provide financial support to prostate cancer research when possible.

The Support Group meets on the third Thursday of every month at 7:00pm at the 55+ Centre, 700 River Street. Meetings are open to all men and their partners.

The Ontario Trillium Foundation is an agency of the Government of Ontario. For additional information on the Trillium Foundation visit: http://www.trilliumfoundation.org.

Our Video "It's a Family Affair" French Translation

On 15 December 2011, M.P.P. Bill Mauro and Trillium Foundation representative Keith Nymark presented a much appreciated cheque that will cover the costs of translating our DVD "It's A Family Affair" into French.

This new version of the video will be available in 2012. Information about how to watch the video will then be posted on the "Our Help Videos" page.

Le 15 Décembre 2011, M.P.P. Bill Mauro et Keith Nymark, représentante de la Fondation Trillium, ont présenté un chèque très apprécié, qui couvrira les frais de traduction de notre DVD, "C'est une affaire de famille" en français.

Cette nouvelle version de la vidéo sera disponible en 2012. Information sur la façon de regarder la vidéo seront ensuite affichés sur le "Our Help Videos" page.