History and Success
About Esophageal Cancer
Who Was Gary?
A brief history of Gary
Gary Smith was a healthy, esteemed athlete in his 50s who was a gold-medal winning basketball player in the World Masters Men's Basketball League and a player on the Canadian National Men's Basketball team when he was young. He was also a respected high school basketball coach and high school principal.
For more than a decade, Gary suffered from chronic heartburn and remedied it with non-prescription antacids. In December 2005, Gary started suffering from back pain, a symptom that would be diagnosed as esophageal cancer four months later by Dr. Brock Pullen at Royal Columbian Hospital. Sadly, Gary passed away in September 2007 at the age of 60.
Watch for our billboard picture outside of Royal Columbian Hospital again this year. It is outside of the emergency entrance. In addition to this website, be sure to Like the Gary's Walk Facebook page and follow us on Twitter @GarysWalk and Instagram [email protected] help us spread the message.
A history of the walk
In April 2010 a memorial bench was placed in the park and that is when the first walk took place. In September 2010 an article about Gary and the walk was included in the Royal Columbian insert in the Vancouver Sun paper. In April 2011 and 2015 articles were in the local paper about the walk. In 2011 over $30,000 was raised for a scope at the Royal Columbian Hospital. In 2014 two gastroscopes were purchased and in 2017 a transnasal scope was purchased. In addition, an information brochure was published with the help of the Royal Columbian Hospital and was distributed at the walk. In 2016 and 2017 a billboard advertising the walk has been set up outside the Royal Columbian hospital. Since 2012 supporters of the Gary Smith Cancer Fund have helped raise over $100,000. Thank you to everyone who supports the cause.
What to expect on that day
Everyone is invited to participate by walking, running or hiking. People are encouraged to choose their own routes through the park and to visit Gary's bench based on their preference. Gary's family will be in the parking lot during this time to meet and greet everyone.
All graphics created by Cliff Blank.
Facebook page managed and created by Cliff Blank.
Sunday, April 28, 2019, participation is anytime between 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
Minnekhada Regional Park
The family will be in the parking lot on Quarry Road near the beginning of the trail to visit and chat before and after your wonderful outdoor experience. The bench is on the Lodge Trail near the picnic area.
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