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Wednesday, September 20, 2023
Vol. 14, Issue 34
Musical Ride brings smiles to many faces
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DID YOU
By Mark Ribble The Leamington Fairgrounds was the scene of a lot of horseplay this past weekend as the RCMP Musical Ride made its way to Leamington for shows on Friday, September 15 and Saturday, September 16. The Musical Ride is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year and the famous uniquely Canadian show did not disappoint the fans who attended three shows over the weekend. Each show kicked off with performances by Lazee G Ranch of Windsor showcasing their western riding techniques, followed by Off Kilter Equine Entertainment trick riders and thrill show. Then, as the RCMP horses and riders made their way to the front of the grandstand, they saluted special guest Robert ‘Shorty’ Wallace, a 91-year-old veteran of the Korean War and Life Member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 324 in Wheatley. Shorty was moved each and every time by the respect shown to him by the RCMP and other members of the crowd who stopped to offer their thanks for his service. He was asked for his permission for each show to begin, to which he responded with a hardy “Let’s get it!”, followed by a salute. Those in attendance were in for a treat with the riders performing many of their manoeuvres — all to Canadian music. Patrons were able to meet the horses in front of the grandstand after the show and were also able to tour
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Rolanda Tremblay of Windsor was front and centre near the fence and able to meet RCMP horse ‘Hayden’ up close and personal at the Saturday afternoon show of the RCMP Musical Ride at Leamington Fairgrounds. Rolanda made the trip to see the Musical Ride and said she’s enjoyed them for years. She was very excited to meet Hayden, who bowed his head before greeting Rolanda. More Musical Ride photos are on Page 5. SUN photo
New cancer treatment at Erie Shores HealthCare
By Mark Ribble Cancer patients now have a closer option for treatment appointments as Erie Shores HealthCare has unveiled a new Oncology and Outpatient Care Clinic at the hospital. The satellite clinic is aligned with the Erie St. Clair Regional Cancer Program and many patients in Essex County battling cancer can now make the shorter trek to Leamington for their treatments. “Today marks a milestone as we introduce the Oncology and Outpatient Care Clinic, a testament to our commitment to ensuring cutting-edge cancer treatments are accessible to all residents of Essex County,” said ESHC President and Chief Executive
Officer Kristin Kennedy. “I’m so proud of our leadership team, nurses, physicians and staff for seeing this through.” The new clinic will offer chemotherapy for cancers affecting the breast, skin, gastro-intestinal, lungs and urinary tract. The initial visit for new cancer patients will remain with the Regional Cancer Centre in Windsor, but patients who live in the county will be given the choice of coming to Leamington for their treatments. A pilot project treating a number of local patients was begun in recent weeks. One of those patients is 81-year-old John Loncke of Kingsville, who
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the stables and talk to the officers. The show was hosted by the Leamington District Agricultural Society, which
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KRISTIN KENNEDY
received a bladder cancer diagnosis three years ago. “For about three years, I’ve traveled back and forth to Windsor for treatment,” he said. “To have the option to come to Erie Shores saves me some time.” Loncke underwent initial chemotherapy in Windsor for 12 weeks and then followed that up with regular immunotherapy sessions over the past two years. That’s what he’s receiving in Leamington, which he says, makes a huge difference for him. “I can golf in the morning, then come here for my treatment and be home in time to walk the dog,” he says. “I’m getting the same quality care here as I was in Windsor.” Loncke says that people may not realize the quality of life that this satellite clinic will restore. “I got much more time on my hands,” he says, “which enhances my quality of life.” Loncke was among five patients who were receiving treatment on Wednesday, September 13 when the media was invited to tour the site. All were local residents who were grate-
ful for the proximity of the new clinic. The clinic is currently operating with five patients a day, but Kennedy says they will expand that number once they have more nurses available. Jonathan Foster, Vice President of Regional Cancer Program for Erie St. Clair, said cancer cases are on the rise across the region. “There’s about a six per cent increase every year in this area, which accounts for about 300 new cancer patients,” he said. “Overall, across the region we are doing well with wait times for treatment, but satellites like this will prevent a backlog.”
JOHN LONCKE
The renovations of the wing at Erie Shores HealthCare cost about $250,000 and the treatments are being funded through the Ontario Ministry of Health through a pay-per-visit billing process.
The cancer treatment clinic at Erie Shores HealthCare on Wednesday, September 13. The clinic is currently handling five patients a day. SUN photo