Joined by sportscaster Jamie Campbell and Canadian hockey legend Paul Henderson, the Canada Bikes jersey team has united in an inspiring display of determination and fellowship. They’re promoting awareness of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia—a disease that each has courageously faced. Through their partnership, they hope to inspire hope and healing and foster a sense of community among those impacted by cancer.
Jamie Campbell, the play-by-play voice of the Toronto Blue Jays, experienced an unforeseen jolt when he learned he had CLL. This shocking news followed a January blood test that revealed an unusually high white blood cell count. At 58 years old, Campbell has remained active and engaged in his work, undergoing three weeks of radiation while never missing a Blue Jays broadcast.
Paul Henderson, now 83, was one of the most iconic athletes in Canada. He scored the winning goal in Game 8 of the iconic 1972 Summit Series. He learned he had CLL back in 2009, then at the age of 66. Henderson has boldly opened up about his experience with the disease. He gives of himself so freely and openly, using his platform to foster hope and healing for others on this journey.
Even to this day, when people approach me to talk about that goal in ’72, 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,” Henderson remarked, highlighting the lasting impact of that historic moment.
CLL is an indolent cancer of the blood and bone marrow. Over the last 10 years, therapy today has a vastly different treatment landscape than before. It’s because of advocates like Campbell and Henderson that patients are now empowered to better manage their chronic conditions and live happier lives. Dr. Shannon Murphy, a hematologist with expertise in the treatment of CLL, says lifestyle choices are as important as any single factor in determining treatment’s success.
Henderson’s attitude towards life after his diagnosis has been both uplifting and realistic. The takeaway Realest people you’ll ever meet The content isn’t as important as the company. You have to have folks start walking alongside you when the pain has already set in. You can’t win without a team, be it in the fight against cancer or on the ice. So I make myself available if folks just want to talk to me,” he said. His perspective is a perfect example of the resilience that can come from community and support.
Reflecting on his own experience, Campbell expressed gratitude for Henderson’s influence: “Mr. Henderson’s example made me want to be an advocate for others facing a similar diagnosis.” Together, they hope to demonstrate that a life can still be lived to the fullest in spite of all that cancer throws your way.
Well, we’re not about to let this beat us. We’ve got some exciting things lined up for day two and we’re not stopping the fun there, Henderson affirmed. “I still wake up every morning looking forward to spoiling my wife, playing golf with my buddies, and watching my grandkids score goals.”
