After a poignant ceremony held at the John Wilson Public School in Oakville, Ontario, artist Jamie Campbell stepped into the spotlight. The esteemed former sportscaster and voice of the Toronto Blue Jays shared his personal experience with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Campbell, 58, sat cross-legged in white sock feet on the gymnasium floor. He wasn’t alone—he was one of 15 million viewers tuned in to the exciting hockey match. For 83-year-old Paul Henderson, this Canadian sports icon, the story struck a chord. He’s perhaps best known for scoring the winning goal in the deciding Game 8 of the 1972 Summit Series.
Yet both men have successfully fought the good fight against CLL, Henderson himself first diagnosed with the disease in 2009 at the age of 66. Even while enduring their own health challenges, they are committed to use their experiences to help raise awareness and encourage hope. Campbell got his own diagnosis after a routine blood test showed dangerously high white blood cell counts. He underwent three weeks of radiation treatment but managed to maintain his commitment to broadcasting without missing a Blue Jays game.
This resilience has been evident throughout Henderson’s more than 10 years with CLL. He’s used his platform to share the realities of living with the disease and help others who are charting their own journeys with this disease. The two sporting legends have clearly developed a deep friendship based on their common experiences. They are forthright with one another about their diagnoses and treatment plans.
“To this day, when people come up to me to talk about that goal in 1972, they don’t want to ask me questions about the game. They want to tell me about who they were with when it happened, how they celebrated, and what it meant to them,” – Paul Henderson
Campbell said she was always impressed by Henderson’s resilience and approach to dealing with life’s difficulties. Much like Henderson inspired, he has taken up the mantle to become an advocate for others who have received the same or similar diagnoses.
“Mr. Henderson’s example made me want to be an advocate for others facing a similar diagnosis,” – Jamie Campbell
Henderson reflected on the importance of support during difficult times, stating, “The people around you are the most important thing. You need people to be there for you when you’re hurting. You need a team, with cancer just as with hockey.” As someone who believes deeply in this message, Campbell is excited. Recently he changed to a more effective medication to help preserve his health in the long-term.
Though both men have faced significant hardships, they stress the importance of enjoying each day to the fullest. Henderson shared his outlook, saying, “I still wake up every morning looking forward to spoiling my wife, to playing golf with my buddies, to watching my grandkids score goals.” His tireless spirit is an example not only to Campbell, but to everyone who has faced a battle with cancer.
“We’re not going to let this change anything. We’ve got plans for tomorrow and we’re still going to have a good time,” – Paul Henderson
