Tracy’s Dream 2018 Algoma District Cancer Support Calendar will feature 12 area “grassroots” organizations that assist cancer patients
SAULT STE. MARIE - Bank on a tender tale for each month of the year.
Tracy’s Dream 2018 Algoma District Cancer Support Calendar will be available in upcoming weeks, billed as being “bright” and “vibrant,” containing resource information and “heart-warming” stories.
Tracy’s Dream 2018 Algoma District Cancer Support Calendar will be available in upcoming weeks, billed as being “bright” and “vibrant,” containing resource information and “heart-warming” stories.
The calendar will be available at Station Mall throughout all weekends in December, and efforts are underway to establish more locations throughout the community where it can be sold.
The 2017 Algoma District Men's Cancer Survivor Calendar raised more than $11,000 for the charity, which assists cancer patients shoulder hospital parking fees. Dennis Dinelle hopes this year’s effort will do as well.
Dinelle's late wife, Tracy, adopted an activist role following her 2012 cancer diagnosis, being instrumental in the launch of Tracy's Dream. She also had a first-hand role in the first major fundraiser for the project, modelling for the 2016 Algoma District Breast Cancer Survivor Calendar, which featured more than a dozen Sault Ste. Marie and area women. Tracy died in June 2016. She was 52.
This year’s calendar will feature 12 area “grassroots” organizations that assist cancer patients in one way or another. “They provide a little, heartfelt story, maybe regarding a patient or somebody they dealt with in one way or another that worked in a positive way,” Dinelle told the Sault Star Tuesday. “We tried to stay with grassroots (groups) that do fundraising on their own, as well.”
Groups involved will be identified at the calendar launch, for which a date will soon be set. “I can give you one now … Tracy’s Dream,” Dinelle said with a laugh. Stone's Office Supply, Kevanna Studios and Gabrielle Fogg Graphic Design Services, are, again, assisting with production.
Tracy's Dream provides, on average, from six to eight tokens per patient over 30 days; Sault Area Hospital parking costs $6.
Anyone who wishes to assist this year’s effort, or pre-order a calendar, is asked to contact Tracy’s Dream at tracysdream@yahoo.com or 705-971-0558. A complete list of all locations will be available at the calendar launch.
The unveiling will take place at Gateway Casinos Sault Ste. Marie, which recently donated $5,000 to the cause as part of the company’s 25 Days of Giving in recognition of Gateway’s 25th anniversary.
Between 750 and 1,000 calendars will be printed.
“We’re pretty exited,” Dinelle said. “Ultimately, this thing is going to be a good resource for anyone dealing (with cancer), or a caregiver for anyone with cancer, just given the amount of resources featured in it.”
The project assembled a number of groups that share a common mandate, Dinelle said.
“Just saying, ‘We’re all here for the same reason, we’re all here putting our efforts forward to help people and, in this case, cancer patients. We’re all under that same umbrella,’” he said. “It’s not just one charity for itself. It was a nice feeling putting this together, knowing there’s so many people out there doing good things.”
jougler@postmedia.com
On Twitter: @JeffreyOugler
The 2017 Algoma District Men's Cancer Survivor Calendar raised more than $11,000 for the charity, which assists cancer patients shoulder hospital parking fees. Dennis Dinelle hopes this year’s effort will do as well.
Dinelle's late wife, Tracy, adopted an activist role following her 2012 cancer diagnosis, being instrumental in the launch of Tracy's Dream. She also had a first-hand role in the first major fundraiser for the project, modelling for the 2016 Algoma District Breast Cancer Survivor Calendar, which featured more than a dozen Sault Ste. Marie and area women. Tracy died in June 2016. She was 52.
This year’s calendar will feature 12 area “grassroots” organizations that assist cancer patients in one way or another. “They provide a little, heartfelt story, maybe regarding a patient or somebody they dealt with in one way or another that worked in a positive way,” Dinelle told the Sault Star Tuesday. “We tried to stay with grassroots (groups) that do fundraising on their own, as well.”
Groups involved will be identified at the calendar launch, for which a date will soon be set. “I can give you one now … Tracy’s Dream,” Dinelle said with a laugh. Stone's Office Supply, Kevanna Studios and Gabrielle Fogg Graphic Design Services, are, again, assisting with production.
Tracy's Dream provides, on average, from six to eight tokens per patient over 30 days; Sault Area Hospital parking costs $6.
Anyone who wishes to assist this year’s effort, or pre-order a calendar, is asked to contact Tracy’s Dream at tracysdream@yahoo.com or 705-971-0558. A complete list of all locations will be available at the calendar launch.
The unveiling will take place at Gateway Casinos Sault Ste. Marie, which recently donated $5,000 to the cause as part of the company’s 25 Days of Giving in recognition of Gateway’s 25th anniversary.
Between 750 and 1,000 calendars will be printed.
“We’re pretty exited,” Dinelle said. “Ultimately, this thing is going to be a good resource for anyone dealing (with cancer), or a caregiver for anyone with cancer, just given the amount of resources featured in it.”
The project assembled a number of groups that share a common mandate, Dinelle said.
“Just saying, ‘We’re all here for the same reason, we’re all here putting our efforts forward to help people and, in this case, cancer patients. We’re all under that same umbrella,’” he said. “It’s not just one charity for itself. It was a nice feeling putting this together, knowing there’s so many people out there doing good things.”
jougler@postmedia.com
On Twitter: @JeffreyOugler
Calendar helps Tracy's Dream
Paula Pigeon didn't bolt from her cancer scare.
She credits attitude and a dedication to running for helping after she found a lump on her right breast in October 2012. She was diagnosed with breast cancer. A lumpectomy, six months of chemotherapy and 26 rounds of radiation at Sault Area Hospital followed between April and October 2013.
She credits attitude and a dedication to running for helping after she found a lump on her right breast in October 2012. She was diagnosed with breast cancer. A lumpectomy, six months of chemotherapy and 26 rounds of radiation at Sault Area Hospital followed between April and October 2013.
The human resources manager at Arauco North America, formerly Flakeboard, is one of 13 female survivors ranging in age from early thirties to sixties who are featured in a 2016 Algoma District breast cancer survivor calendar. They're all from Sault Ste. Marie and area. Some are still being treated. Many are in remission. Their careers include business owner, hairstylist, homemaker and educational assistant.
The calendar, due out in mid-November and selling for $20, is a fundraiser for Tracy's Dream. Tracy Dinelle is another survivor. She began Tracy's Dream earlier this year with a goal of covering hospital parking costs for cancer patients.
She's raised more than $15,300. Pigeon, who's also a patient adviser for Sault Area Hospital's Algoma District Cancer Care Program, wants to sell 1,500 copies and raise $15,000 after expenses to help Dinelle help others.
Anna Pelletier-Doble, of Kevanna Studios, is taking photos of models. Three shots of each woman will be in the calendar. Each woman chose what she wanted to wear. Pigeon opted for her running gear. All are asked to describe in one word what helped them during treatment.
“Often there's more to us than just being a cancer survivor,” said Pigeon. “The picture will basically demonstrate who we are as women.”
The calendar will also include important dates for cancer-fighting events, such as the Terry Fox Run and Run for the Cure, motivational poems and resources available for cancer patients and their families.
Pigeon suggests male models may be lined up for 2017 to highlight prostrate cancer.
The fundraising idea came from Shirley Pulkkinen, a renal unit social worker at the hospital. Her sister was in a similar calendar in London, Ont.
Calendars will sold at Sault Area Hospital's gift shop, Stone's Office Supply, Flowers Direct, The Flower Shop, Flowers with Flair, Flowers by Routledge's, Sault College, Kevanna Studio and The Gallery.
Dinelle is “honoured” to be part of the calendar project and “overwhelmed” to have proceeds earmarked for Tracy's Dream.
“All of the ladies here today are an inspiration for everyone facing this horrible disease,” she said while models were being photographed Saturday.
Dinelle chose a fishing theme for her pictures. She's an avid angler.
“I feel when I fish I'm free,” said Dinelle.
Diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer, she had her breasts and some lymph nodes removed in January. She learned in August that she has a massive cancer growth on her liver. Dinelle began chemotherapy treatment last week.
“I have faith in my doctors,” she said.
Dinelle realized a long-time dream when she saw classic rockers AC/DC perform at Downsview Park in Toronto on Thursday.
The Australian band is Dinelle's favourite group. With a band T-shirt and blinking red devil horns in place, she took in a show that included Thunderstruck, Back in Black and T.N.T.
“I was in awe,” she said. “I had a great time.”
b.kelly@sunmedia.ca
On Twitter: @Saultreporter
The calendar, due out in mid-November and selling for $20, is a fundraiser for Tracy's Dream. Tracy Dinelle is another survivor. She began Tracy's Dream earlier this year with a goal of covering hospital parking costs for cancer patients.
She's raised more than $15,300. Pigeon, who's also a patient adviser for Sault Area Hospital's Algoma District Cancer Care Program, wants to sell 1,500 copies and raise $15,000 after expenses to help Dinelle help others.
Anna Pelletier-Doble, of Kevanna Studios, is taking photos of models. Three shots of each woman will be in the calendar. Each woman chose what she wanted to wear. Pigeon opted for her running gear. All are asked to describe in one word what helped them during treatment.
“Often there's more to us than just being a cancer survivor,” said Pigeon. “The picture will basically demonstrate who we are as women.”
The calendar will also include important dates for cancer-fighting events, such as the Terry Fox Run and Run for the Cure, motivational poems and resources available for cancer patients and their families.
Pigeon suggests male models may be lined up for 2017 to highlight prostrate cancer.
The fundraising idea came from Shirley Pulkkinen, a renal unit social worker at the hospital. Her sister was in a similar calendar in London, Ont.
Calendars will sold at Sault Area Hospital's gift shop, Stone's Office Supply, Flowers Direct, The Flower Shop, Flowers with Flair, Flowers by Routledge's, Sault College, Kevanna Studio and The Gallery.
Dinelle is “honoured” to be part of the calendar project and “overwhelmed” to have proceeds earmarked for Tracy's Dream.
“All of the ladies here today are an inspiration for everyone facing this horrible disease,” she said while models were being photographed Saturday.
Dinelle chose a fishing theme for her pictures. She's an avid angler.
“I feel when I fish I'm free,” said Dinelle.
Diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer, she had her breasts and some lymph nodes removed in January. She learned in August that she has a massive cancer growth on her liver. Dinelle began chemotherapy treatment last week.
“I have faith in my doctors,” she said.
Dinelle realized a long-time dream when she saw classic rockers AC/DC perform at Downsview Park in Toronto on Thursday.
The Australian band is Dinelle's favourite group. With a band T-shirt and blinking red devil horns in place, she took in a show that included Thunderstruck, Back in Black and T.N.T.
“I was in awe,” she said. “I had a great time.”
b.kelly@sunmedia.ca
On Twitter: @Saultreporter
Cancer patient's campaign geared to give fellow patients break on hospital parking
By Jeffrey Ougler, Sault Star
Thursday, May 21, 2015 12:03:17 EDT PM
Thursday, May 21, 2015 12:03:17 EDT PM
SAULT STE. MARIE - Tracy Dinelle knows first-hand the last thing a cancer patient wants to face following a tough round of chemotherapy or radiation is fumbling for two twoonies and a loonie to pony up for hospital parking.
It's a pain — especially when health issues force many people to pinch pennies as regular incomes are often reduced or dry up altogether.
So, the Sault Ste. Marie woman set out on a brave mission to assist fellow cancer patients receiving regular treatment meet hospital parking costs. The effort appears to be gaining ground.
Dinelle was diagnosed in 2012 and has been a frequent Sault Area Hospital visitor since, having had to shell out $5 sometimes more than once a day to park.
“Sometimes we had to go there twice a day because I would be scheduled maybe for a test later on that afternoon,” said Dinelle, adding although her husband, Dennis, and her mother, Rena Ross, have been invaluable support sources on many fronts, cancer costs mount.
“Plus, my mother would take me to the hospital and then my husband, if he was working, he would come up after work so, sometimes, it was $10 a day.”
Dinelle, 51, was diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer that has metastasized to the bones. She underwent chemotherapy and radiation, and will always receive some form of treatment for life. Last January, she had both breasts, as well as some lymph nodes, removed.
“Especially going through treatments, I noticed we weren’t the only ones looking for change (for parking),” she said.
“You have your other medical expenses, too.”
Wigs and other accessories are not necessarily covered by OHIP.
“Having cancer is very costly,” said Dinelle, forced to leave the full-time custodial job she “loved” at Algoma District School Board shortly following her diagnosis. “I was hoping that I could take some stress away from the cancer patients by doing this.”
Tracy’s Dream was born via a Facebook post at the time of Dinelle’s double mastectomy. Due to practical reasons, it didn’t initially take off.
“I ended up with my surgery, so I couldn’t really do a lot,” she said. “By March, that’s when everything started falling into place with the website and that.”
To date, Tracy’s Dream has raised more than $10,500 through donations and fund-raising events to assist those receiving treatments at the Algoma District Cancer Program.
“We’re very lucky,” Dinelle said. “Sault Ste. Marie is a great community. When I started this, the feedback from people was all positive.”
Dennis is equally amazed and appreciative.
"The response from the community and people has inspired her, has inspired all of us, and we've been supporting her as she's been through this and through her cancer, as well,” he said in a recent interview at the family’s west-end home.
"It's really made a difference in our lives."
Sault Area Hospital has also come on board, creating a special voucher for Dinelle to purchase parking passes for patients. Applications for eligibility are also available in the Algoma District Cancer Clinic.
"The staff in the cancer clinic have all been made aware of the program and its availability, so they'll be able to direct patients to the application (forms) and then the patient can take it from there and reach out to Tracy and set themselves up,” said Brandy Sharp Young, SAH manager of communications and volunteer resources.
"It's quite amazing for her to take on this project. It's fantastic given Tracy's own experiences. She's really created a passion, not only given her experiences, but she's also reached out to the community for that and has been willing to share her experiences and make people aware and do something about it."
The hospital defends its $5 parking fee as an operational cost, covering basic maintenance, cleaning and other things.
Sharp Young said parking fees are not revenue generators.
"Parking is very costly to operate,” she said. “We review and make the best decisions based on the cost for the hospital."
Dinelle said “we’re very lucky” to have SAH’s assistance.
“I’m overwhelmed for all the help they have been doing to help us.”
Criteria to qualify for parking support includes:
— attending treatments for an extended period;
— attending treatment multiple times per week;
— need for support.
Dinelle said she hopes the program can “branch out” and assist others. But, right now, chemo and radiation patients qualify. She reviews applications and will administer aid.
A patient’s income is not taken into consideration.
“No, no ... If you are receiving chemo or radiation, you just have to let me know," Dinelle said. “If you’re going four times ... with radiation you usually go every day and we are going to help you out.”
Dinelle can be reached at tracysdream@yahoo.com, she’s on Facebook at Tracy’s Dream and the official website is tracysdream.wordpress.com.
Go to www.youcaring.com to donate.
A fund-raiser, Quack Cancer, is slated for June 14 at 2 p.m., held in conjunction with the Sault Ste. Marie YMCA. Quack Cancer ducks, purchased for $5, may be signed with the name of a loved one who has succumbed to the disease or that of a cancer survivor.
Ducks will be released in Y the pool and there will be a memorial service.
Dinelle is not new to lending a hand. She’s done “a lot” of volunteering and is a foster patent.
“My husband and I always did like giving back to the community,” she said.
Dinelle still visits SAH regularly, which includes getting a monthly shot and having blood work done.
“My cancer came back so we’re trying different things right now,” she said. “So I could be back on chemo again or radiation, we don’t know. We’re hoping that these new medications, these chemo pills that I’m on right now, will do the job. So right now, there are three visits."
She attends weekly to see how chemo pills are "working on me."
"So that’s quite a bit.”
Dinelle laughs when asked if she will tap into Tracy’s Dream.
"No, I still pay,” she said. “I don’t even fit the criteria because I get a shot every month.”
j.ougler@sunmedia.ca
On Twitter: @JeffreyOugler
So, the Sault Ste. Marie woman set out on a brave mission to assist fellow cancer patients receiving regular treatment meet hospital parking costs. The effort appears to be gaining ground.
Dinelle was diagnosed in 2012 and has been a frequent Sault Area Hospital visitor since, having had to shell out $5 sometimes more than once a day to park.
“Sometimes we had to go there twice a day because I would be scheduled maybe for a test later on that afternoon,” said Dinelle, adding although her husband, Dennis, and her mother, Rena Ross, have been invaluable support sources on many fronts, cancer costs mount.
“Plus, my mother would take me to the hospital and then my husband, if he was working, he would come up after work so, sometimes, it was $10 a day.”
Dinelle, 51, was diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer that has metastasized to the bones. She underwent chemotherapy and radiation, and will always receive some form of treatment for life. Last January, she had both breasts, as well as some lymph nodes, removed.
“Especially going through treatments, I noticed we weren’t the only ones looking for change (for parking),” she said.
“You have your other medical expenses, too.”
Wigs and other accessories are not necessarily covered by OHIP.
“Having cancer is very costly,” said Dinelle, forced to leave the full-time custodial job she “loved” at Algoma District School Board shortly following her diagnosis. “I was hoping that I could take some stress away from the cancer patients by doing this.”
Tracy’s Dream was born via a Facebook post at the time of Dinelle’s double mastectomy. Due to practical reasons, it didn’t initially take off.
“I ended up with my surgery, so I couldn’t really do a lot,” she said. “By March, that’s when everything started falling into place with the website and that.”
To date, Tracy’s Dream has raised more than $10,500 through donations and fund-raising events to assist those receiving treatments at the Algoma District Cancer Program.
“We’re very lucky,” Dinelle said. “Sault Ste. Marie is a great community. When I started this, the feedback from people was all positive.”
Dennis is equally amazed and appreciative.
"The response from the community and people has inspired her, has inspired all of us, and we've been supporting her as she's been through this and through her cancer, as well,” he said in a recent interview at the family’s west-end home.
"It's really made a difference in our lives."
Sault Area Hospital has also come on board, creating a special voucher for Dinelle to purchase parking passes for patients. Applications for eligibility are also available in the Algoma District Cancer Clinic.
"The staff in the cancer clinic have all been made aware of the program and its availability, so they'll be able to direct patients to the application (forms) and then the patient can take it from there and reach out to Tracy and set themselves up,” said Brandy Sharp Young, SAH manager of communications and volunteer resources.
"It's quite amazing for her to take on this project. It's fantastic given Tracy's own experiences. She's really created a passion, not only given her experiences, but she's also reached out to the community for that and has been willing to share her experiences and make people aware and do something about it."
The hospital defends its $5 parking fee as an operational cost, covering basic maintenance, cleaning and other things.
Sharp Young said parking fees are not revenue generators.
"Parking is very costly to operate,” she said. “We review and make the best decisions based on the cost for the hospital."
Dinelle said “we’re very lucky” to have SAH’s assistance.
“I’m overwhelmed for all the help they have been doing to help us.”
Criteria to qualify for parking support includes:
— attending treatments for an extended period;
— attending treatment multiple times per week;
— need for support.
Dinelle said she hopes the program can “branch out” and assist others. But, right now, chemo and radiation patients qualify. She reviews applications and will administer aid.
A patient’s income is not taken into consideration.
“No, no ... If you are receiving chemo or radiation, you just have to let me know," Dinelle said. “If you’re going four times ... with radiation you usually go every day and we are going to help you out.”
Dinelle can be reached at tracysdream@yahoo.com, she’s on Facebook at Tracy’s Dream and the official website is tracysdream.wordpress.com.
Go to www.youcaring.com to donate.
A fund-raiser, Quack Cancer, is slated for June 14 at 2 p.m., held in conjunction with the Sault Ste. Marie YMCA. Quack Cancer ducks, purchased for $5, may be signed with the name of a loved one who has succumbed to the disease or that of a cancer survivor.
Ducks will be released in Y the pool and there will be a memorial service.
Dinelle is not new to lending a hand. She’s done “a lot” of volunteering and is a foster patent.
“My husband and I always did like giving back to the community,” she said.
Dinelle still visits SAH regularly, which includes getting a monthly shot and having blood work done.
“My cancer came back so we’re trying different things right now,” she said. “So I could be back on chemo again or radiation, we don’t know. We’re hoping that these new medications, these chemo pills that I’m on right now, will do the job. So right now, there are three visits."
She attends weekly to see how chemo pills are "working on me."
"So that’s quite a bit.”
Dinelle laughs when asked if she will tap into Tracy’s Dream.
"No, I still pay,” she said. “I don’t even fit the criteria because I get a shot every month.”
j.ougler@sunmedia.ca
On Twitter: @JeffreyOugler
Fundraiser covering hospital parking costs for cancer patients has helped many
Sunday, June 11, 2017 4:41:18 EDT PM
SAULT STE. MARIE - Bambang Sadewo
Special to The Star
It started as a simple idea to try to lessen the burden of cancer patients by paying for their hospital parking fees through fundraising.
Special to The Star
It started as a simple idea to try to lessen the burden of cancer patients by paying for their hospital parking fees through fundraising.
Not only has it helped those in need, but it’s also gotten the community together.
“I don’t think anyone expected that it would’ve gotten as big and helped as many people as it has,” Dennis Dinelle said of Tracy’s Dream, the program that his wife, Tracy Dinelle, initiated.
Tracy died last year in June following her battle with cancer.
To honour her memory, the City of Sault Ste. Marie, with support of the Lions Club, dedicated a memorial bench in her name, which sits on the waterfront near the Mill Market Farmers Market. The tribute was officially unveiled on Saturday.
Dennis said the plan is to install brochure holders near the bench, so that more people can get information about Tracy’s Dream.
Tracy’s father, Jackie Particelli, recalls how his daughter first told him about the idea.
“She met a lot of people during her treatment and they’re sick, they have other problems, and they have to worry about parking,” Particelli told the Sault Star.
He remembered Tracy saying: “You know what dad, let’s go ahead and do something for the people.”
The family then got involved and things started to roll, he said.
After the unveiling, family members, friends, and many others who knew Tracy and helped the fundraising effort spray-painted the bench in pink.
One of them was Tracy’s sister, Carla Particelli.
“It hasn’t been a year… I miss her,” she said. “She helped a lot of people. I’m very proud of her.”
“I don’t think anyone expected that it would’ve gotten as big and helped as many people as it has,” Dennis Dinelle said of Tracy’s Dream, the program that his wife, Tracy Dinelle, initiated.
Tracy died last year in June following her battle with cancer.
To honour her memory, the City of Sault Ste. Marie, with support of the Lions Club, dedicated a memorial bench in her name, which sits on the waterfront near the Mill Market Farmers Market. The tribute was officially unveiled on Saturday.
Dennis said the plan is to install brochure holders near the bench, so that more people can get information about Tracy’s Dream.
Tracy’s father, Jackie Particelli, recalls how his daughter first told him about the idea.
“She met a lot of people during her treatment and they’re sick, they have other problems, and they have to worry about parking,” Particelli told the Sault Star.
He remembered Tracy saying: “You know what dad, let’s go ahead and do something for the people.”
The family then got involved and things started to roll, he said.
After the unveiling, family members, friends, and many others who knew Tracy and helped the fundraising effort spray-painted the bench in pink.
One of them was Tracy’s sister, Carla Particelli.
“It hasn’t been a year… I miss her,” she said. “She helped a lot of people. I’m very proud of her.”
Tracy Dinelle 'courageous' in her fight against cancer; Tracy's Dream founder remembered as someone who cared deeply about others' pain despite her own suffering
SAULT STE. MARIE - Tracy Dinelle is being hailed as "courageous" in her battle against the deadly disease that finally took her life early Tuesday. She was 52.
The Sault Ste. Marie woman adopted an activist role following her 2012 cancer diagnosis, being instrumental in the launch of Tracy's Dream, which assists cancer patients shoulder hospital parking fees, as well as having a first-hand role in a major fundraiser for the project, modelling for the 2016 Algoma District Breast Cancer Survivor Calendar.
"She was a very courageous lady who wanted to help everybody," Angelisa Mills told The Sault Star Tuesday.
The breast cancer survivor met Dinelle two years ago in the patient waiting area at the Sault Area Hospital cancer clinic. The two hit it off and kept in close touch.
"She was so passionate … It inspired me," said Mills, who also modelled for the calendar.
In 2012, Dinelle was in her late forties when she was diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer that metastasized to her bones. She underwent chemotherapy and radiation, and, in early 2015, had both breasts, as well as some lymph nodes, removed. Last August, Dinelle learned she had a massive cancer growth on her liver and began chemotherapy treatment.
"My new journey is another path I need to take," Dinelle wrote in an Aug. 27, 2015 Facebook post. "I feel the love and strength that each and everyone that's been following me.Thank you for all your support and kind words. Tomorrow my boxing gloves will be on and I will not stop! Cancer, you don't know me, I will not give in!"
Such a sentiment, Mills said, was classic Dinelle.
"She was very sick, but she wanted to help everybody else," Mills said. "It just amazes me."
Family support was also solid, said Mills, especially crediting Dinelle's husband, Dennis, who ensured his wife attended Tracy's Dream-related functions.
"He would just bring her to everything, even if she could only stay for 20 minutes," Mills said. "He knew it was important to her."
Anna Pelletier Doble, of Kevanna Studios, photographed the calendar. She first met Dinelle last August when the latter modelled, as it turned out, earlier than the other 12 participants, all, at the time, female cancer survivors ranging in age from early thirties to sixties.
The idea was to photograph Dinelle before chemo took her hair.
"(Dinelle was) a really strong person," Pelletier Doble said. "Like, 'This isn't going to get me. I'm going to beat it.'"
The calendar concept came from Shirley Pulkkinen, a renal unit social worker at the hospital, whose sister was in a similar calendar in London, Ont. Plans are underway for a 2017 Gentleman's Calendar, also geared to support Dinelle's cause.
'"She was a really inspiring person, a fighter," Pelletier Doble said.
It was announced last May that thanks to funds raised from the community, private donations and calendar sales, Tracy's Dream funding would cover parking costs for blood work appointments for cancer patients. This was in addition to chemotherapy and/or radiation treatments.
Brandy Sharp Young, SAH manager of communications and volunteer resources, spoke often to Dinelle.
"Tracy was amazing," she said Tuesday. "She was an amazing soul and had a very strong spirit and a desire to always support those around her, no matter what her circumstances were. She was quite amazing."
Another person Dinelle touched deeply was Melissa Cutler, a Sault Ste. Marie mental health activist who has dealt with her own share of health issues.
"We supported each other and what we were going through and she always stressed that her problems weren't any worse than those struggling with mental health," Cutler said. "She had the heart of pure gold."
Cutler reached out to Dinelle a few years ago and the pair remained close.
"No matter how much she was suffering, she would always check up on me and see how I was doing," Cutler told The Sault Star. "She inspired me to keep pushing forward and to chase my dreams. She believed in me.
She's the strongest, most courageous lady I've ever met. She's no longer suffering … She definitely earned her wings."
jougler@postmedia.com
On Twitter: @JeffreyOugler
The Sault Ste. Marie woman adopted an activist role following her 2012 cancer diagnosis, being instrumental in the launch of Tracy's Dream, which assists cancer patients shoulder hospital parking fees, as well as having a first-hand role in a major fundraiser for the project, modelling for the 2016 Algoma District Breast Cancer Survivor Calendar.
"She was a very courageous lady who wanted to help everybody," Angelisa Mills told The Sault Star Tuesday.
The breast cancer survivor met Dinelle two years ago in the patient waiting area at the Sault Area Hospital cancer clinic. The two hit it off and kept in close touch.
"She was so passionate … It inspired me," said Mills, who also modelled for the calendar.
In 2012, Dinelle was in her late forties when she was diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer that metastasized to her bones. She underwent chemotherapy and radiation, and, in early 2015, had both breasts, as well as some lymph nodes, removed. Last August, Dinelle learned she had a massive cancer growth on her liver and began chemotherapy treatment.
"My new journey is another path I need to take," Dinelle wrote in an Aug. 27, 2015 Facebook post. "I feel the love and strength that each and everyone that's been following me.Thank you for all your support and kind words. Tomorrow my boxing gloves will be on and I will not stop! Cancer, you don't know me, I will not give in!"
Such a sentiment, Mills said, was classic Dinelle.
"She was very sick, but she wanted to help everybody else," Mills said. "It just amazes me."
Family support was also solid, said Mills, especially crediting Dinelle's husband, Dennis, who ensured his wife attended Tracy's Dream-related functions.
"He would just bring her to everything, even if she could only stay for 20 minutes," Mills said. "He knew it was important to her."
Anna Pelletier Doble, of Kevanna Studios, photographed the calendar. She first met Dinelle last August when the latter modelled, as it turned out, earlier than the other 12 participants, all, at the time, female cancer survivors ranging in age from early thirties to sixties.
The idea was to photograph Dinelle before chemo took her hair.
"(Dinelle was) a really strong person," Pelletier Doble said. "Like, 'This isn't going to get me. I'm going to beat it.'"
The calendar concept came from Shirley Pulkkinen, a renal unit social worker at the hospital, whose sister was in a similar calendar in London, Ont. Plans are underway for a 2017 Gentleman's Calendar, also geared to support Dinelle's cause.
'"She was a really inspiring person, a fighter," Pelletier Doble said.
It was announced last May that thanks to funds raised from the community, private donations and calendar sales, Tracy's Dream funding would cover parking costs for blood work appointments for cancer patients. This was in addition to chemotherapy and/or radiation treatments.
Brandy Sharp Young, SAH manager of communications and volunteer resources, spoke often to Dinelle.
"Tracy was amazing," she said Tuesday. "She was an amazing soul and had a very strong spirit and a desire to always support those around her, no matter what her circumstances were. She was quite amazing."
Another person Dinelle touched deeply was Melissa Cutler, a Sault Ste. Marie mental health activist who has dealt with her own share of health issues.
"We supported each other and what we were going through and she always stressed that her problems weren't any worse than those struggling with mental health," Cutler said. "She had the heart of pure gold."
Cutler reached out to Dinelle a few years ago and the pair remained close.
"No matter how much she was suffering, she would always check up on me and see how I was doing," Cutler told The Sault Star. "She inspired me to keep pushing forward and to chase my dreams. She believed in me.
She's the strongest, most courageous lady I've ever met. She's no longer suffering … She definitely earned her wings."
jougler@postmedia.com
On Twitter: @JeffreyOugler
Male cancer survivors featured in 2017 calendar fundraiser for Tracy’s Dream
Dennis Dinelle and Paula Pigeon display the 2017 Algoma District Men’s Cancer Survivors Calendar at its launch last November. Pigeon, a cancer survivor, was a prime architect of the calendar concept as a fundraiser for Tracy’s Dream. JEFFREY OUGLER/SAULT STAR
SAULT STE. MARIE - When Jack Particelli was approached to model for a calendar fundraiser for Tracy’s Dream, there was little humming and hawing.
The recruitment pitch was made by Tracy Dinelle herself, who, in fact, was Particelli’s daughter.
“I said, ‘What do you have to do?’” to which Particelli was told he’d “just have to stand there.”
“That I can do,” he said.
Particelli concedes to a touch of initial skepticism about the entire project. After all, the 2016 Algoma District Breast Cancer Survivor Calendar featured females. The next year’s offering is graced by males, all cancer survivors, as well.
“When she asked me, I said, ‘What? What do you mean a calendar for men?’” he said with a laugh during an interview Tuesday with The Sault Star. “I’m doing it for my daughter. She asked me.”
Particelli ended up being “Mr. May.”
In 2012, Dinelle was in her late forties when she was diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer that metastasized to her bones. That didn’t stop the Sault Ste. Marie woman from adopting an activist role, being instrumental in the launch of Tracy's Dream, which helps cancer patients shoulder hospital parking fees. She led by example, modelling for the 2016 calendar.
Dinelle underwent chemotherapy and radiation, and, in early 2015, had both breasts, as well as some lymph nodes, removed. Later that year, she learned she had a massive cancer growth on her liver and began chemotherapy treatment. Dinelle died June 21. She was 52.
Particelli knows first-hand the struggles of dealing with a cancer diagnosis and contending with loved ones dealing with the disease — another daughter is currently battling cancer and he fought colon cancer.
Pressure is no doubt heightened by having to pony up $6 per visit for Sault Area Hospital parking, he said.
“It does get very expensive,” said Particelli, who finished chemotherapy two weeks ago.
“I just hope in another month from now, everything is OK.”
Things were OK Tuesday evening at OLG Casino Sault Ste. Marie, as the 2017 calendar was unveiled. Most men featured were present, joined by family and others instrumental in the project.
Dennis Dinelle couldn’t have been prouder.
“There’s so many people contributing, either time or support, it’s just so hard to keep track and thank everyone,” Tracy’s husband told The Sault Star.
Acting Mayor Sandra Hollingsworth told those gathered they can “take solace” in the fact Dinelle’s dream, indeed, lives on.
“We can feel her in our presence right now … I can,” she said, adding the male models deserve a “really big shout-out.”
Others featured in the 2017 calendar are Rick Wark (January), Rick Thomas (February), Barry Lyons (March), Dan Lachowich (April), Fraser Craig (June), Bob Travaglini (July), Daniel Harasymiw (August), Rev. Jaroslaw “Father Jerry" Lazoryk (September), Gerald McGuire (October), Danny Giddens ( November) and Dave Comfort (December).
Lazoryk, of St. Mary's Ukranian Church, was practically fresh from Poland in 1998 when tumours were discovered on his thyroid. He was 28.
“It was an eye-opener and a little shocker,” he said in an interview. “I was always healthy … a farm boy.”
Lazoryk would face some 17 years of treatment and follow-up care. His sickness didn’t sour his sense of humour.
“The doctors tell me, ‘Father, you’re going to live up until you die,’” he said with a laugh.
Thanks to funds raised from the community, private donations and calendar sales, it was announced last May that Tracy's Dream funding would cover parking costs for blood work appointments for cancer patients. This was in addition to chemotherapy and/or radiation treatments.
Coverage will now be even more widespread, Dennis told The Sault Star.
”Shortly after (Tracy) passed, I started crunching some of the numbers and realized we can cover every appointment that a cancer patient has,” he said. “So, we went wide open.”
The decision was based on the number of cancer patients accessing the program, said Dennis, adding he wants people to “reach out and grasp” the service.
“Tracy’s dream was to just ease the burden and some of the stress of having to reach for $5 or $6 every time you go to leave the (hospital) … More people, please come forward,” he said.
Last year’s calendar drive raised some $15,000. This year, 1,000 calendars were produced, compared to 2,000 last year. Dennis said there were some left over, although more more than 1,000 sold. There is the option to produce more this year, depending on demand. Sponsors were also recruited for the 2017 edition.
Copies can be purchased at a number of Sault Ste. Marie businesses and a booth will be set up at Station Mall. Calendars are $20.
Dennis said the calendar project and the many other duties that accompany Tracy’s Dream have provided comfort to him, as well as to family and others devoted to the drive.
“In the beginning, right after Tracy passed, you’re dealing with horrific emotions,” Dennis said.
“As time has gone on, I can see now that this is something I’m pleased to continue. It’s fulfilling to continue it on as her legacy and seeing and feeling the benefits of doing good in the community. It’s worked both ways.”
j.ougler@sunmedia.ca
On Twitter: @JeffreyOugler
Calendar Details
2017 Algoma District Men’s Cancer Survivors Calendar is available at:
— Body First, 642 Queen St. E.;
— Sault Area Hospital Gift Shop;
— Stone's Office Supply, 529 Queen St. E,;
— Joe's Sports & Surplus, 40 Queen St. E.;
— Arthur Funeral Home & Cremation Centre, 492 Wellington St. E.
To order, pick up or support the calendar project, contact Tracy’s Dream directly:
— Email: tracysdream@yahoo.com
— Click: tracysdream.wordpress.com
— Donate: www.youcaring.com
— Visit: Facebook - Tracy's Dream
— Call: 705-971-0558
Station Mall booth dates:
— Nov. 19, 20 28, 29, 30;
— Dec. 3, 4 9, 10, 11 17, 18, 30.
To volunteer to assist with calendar sales, go to Doodle to sign up for any time slots available from now until January. Access the Doodle page through Tracy’s Dream Facebook group page:
— https://www.facebook.com/groups/TracysDream/
— http://doodle.com/poll/cqt3z8tiq4sxyn5f
The recruitment pitch was made by Tracy Dinelle herself, who, in fact, was Particelli’s daughter.
“I said, ‘What do you have to do?’” to which Particelli was told he’d “just have to stand there.”
“That I can do,” he said.
Particelli concedes to a touch of initial skepticism about the entire project. After all, the 2016 Algoma District Breast Cancer Survivor Calendar featured females. The next year’s offering is graced by males, all cancer survivors, as well.
“When she asked me, I said, ‘What? What do you mean a calendar for men?’” he said with a laugh during an interview Tuesday with The Sault Star. “I’m doing it for my daughter. She asked me.”
Particelli ended up being “Mr. May.”
In 2012, Dinelle was in her late forties when she was diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer that metastasized to her bones. That didn’t stop the Sault Ste. Marie woman from adopting an activist role, being instrumental in the launch of Tracy's Dream, which helps cancer patients shoulder hospital parking fees. She led by example, modelling for the 2016 calendar.
Dinelle underwent chemotherapy and radiation, and, in early 2015, had both breasts, as well as some lymph nodes, removed. Later that year, she learned she had a massive cancer growth on her liver and began chemotherapy treatment. Dinelle died June 21. She was 52.
Particelli knows first-hand the struggles of dealing with a cancer diagnosis and contending with loved ones dealing with the disease — another daughter is currently battling cancer and he fought colon cancer.
Pressure is no doubt heightened by having to pony up $6 per visit for Sault Area Hospital parking, he said.
“It does get very expensive,” said Particelli, who finished chemotherapy two weeks ago.
“I just hope in another month from now, everything is OK.”
Things were OK Tuesday evening at OLG Casino Sault Ste. Marie, as the 2017 calendar was unveiled. Most men featured were present, joined by family and others instrumental in the project.
Dennis Dinelle couldn’t have been prouder.
“There’s so many people contributing, either time or support, it’s just so hard to keep track and thank everyone,” Tracy’s husband told The Sault Star.
Acting Mayor Sandra Hollingsworth told those gathered they can “take solace” in the fact Dinelle’s dream, indeed, lives on.
“We can feel her in our presence right now … I can,” she said, adding the male models deserve a “really big shout-out.”
Others featured in the 2017 calendar are Rick Wark (January), Rick Thomas (February), Barry Lyons (March), Dan Lachowich (April), Fraser Craig (June), Bob Travaglini (July), Daniel Harasymiw (August), Rev. Jaroslaw “Father Jerry" Lazoryk (September), Gerald McGuire (October), Danny Giddens ( November) and Dave Comfort (December).
Lazoryk, of St. Mary's Ukranian Church, was practically fresh from Poland in 1998 when tumours were discovered on his thyroid. He was 28.
“It was an eye-opener and a little shocker,” he said in an interview. “I was always healthy … a farm boy.”
Lazoryk would face some 17 years of treatment and follow-up care. His sickness didn’t sour his sense of humour.
“The doctors tell me, ‘Father, you’re going to live up until you die,’” he said with a laugh.
Thanks to funds raised from the community, private donations and calendar sales, it was announced last May that Tracy's Dream funding would cover parking costs for blood work appointments for cancer patients. This was in addition to chemotherapy and/or radiation treatments.
Coverage will now be even more widespread, Dennis told The Sault Star.
”Shortly after (Tracy) passed, I started crunching some of the numbers and realized we can cover every appointment that a cancer patient has,” he said. “So, we went wide open.”
The decision was based on the number of cancer patients accessing the program, said Dennis, adding he wants people to “reach out and grasp” the service.
“Tracy’s dream was to just ease the burden and some of the stress of having to reach for $5 or $6 every time you go to leave the (hospital) … More people, please come forward,” he said.
Last year’s calendar drive raised some $15,000. This year, 1,000 calendars were produced, compared to 2,000 last year. Dennis said there were some left over, although more more than 1,000 sold. There is the option to produce more this year, depending on demand. Sponsors were also recruited for the 2017 edition.
Copies can be purchased at a number of Sault Ste. Marie businesses and a booth will be set up at Station Mall. Calendars are $20.
Dennis said the calendar project and the many other duties that accompany Tracy’s Dream have provided comfort to him, as well as to family and others devoted to the drive.
“In the beginning, right after Tracy passed, you’re dealing with horrific emotions,” Dennis said.
“As time has gone on, I can see now that this is something I’m pleased to continue. It’s fulfilling to continue it on as her legacy and seeing and feeling the benefits of doing good in the community. It’s worked both ways.”
j.ougler@sunmedia.ca
On Twitter: @JeffreyOugler
Calendar Details
2017 Algoma District Men’s Cancer Survivors Calendar is available at:
— Body First, 642 Queen St. E.;
— Sault Area Hospital Gift Shop;
— Stone's Office Supply, 529 Queen St. E,;
— Joe's Sports & Surplus, 40 Queen St. E.;
— Arthur Funeral Home & Cremation Centre, 492 Wellington St. E.
To order, pick up or support the calendar project, contact Tracy’s Dream directly:
— Email: tracysdream@yahoo.com
— Click: tracysdream.wordpress.com
— Donate: www.youcaring.com
— Visit: Facebook - Tracy's Dream
— Call: 705-971-0558
Station Mall booth dates:
— Nov. 19, 20 28, 29, 30;
— Dec. 3, 4 9, 10, 11 17, 18, 30.
To volunteer to assist with calendar sales, go to Doodle to sign up for any time slots available from now until January. Access the Doodle page through Tracy’s Dream Facebook group page:
— https://www.facebook.com/groups/TracysDream/
— http://doodle.com/poll/cqt3z8tiq4sxyn5f
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