GORE BAY – Organizers of the sixth annual Frosty Cup hockey tournament are gearing up for the event, which not only provides some great hockey every year, but proceeds raised from the tournament go towards helping local individuals and/or families in need in the community.
“Our sixth annual Frosty Cup tournament is being held December 13-15,” said Scott McDougall, a member of the Frosty Cup tournament committee, late last week. “Everybody is on board, the Royal Canadian Legion (Branch 514 in Gore Bay) is hosting a dance during the tournament, and the Gore Bay Rotary Club will be manning the bar upstairs at the arena during the weekend.”
Mr. McDougall explained, “proceeds raised through the tournament will be going to four individuals that have been selected by the committee as recipients.”
Gord Phillips has resided in Gore Bay since 2016 and is now 28 years old. He has worked for Northland Agromart and is currently employed with Pat Noble Lumber and Building Supplies Ltd. in Gore Bay. Gord is battling sarcoma cancer for the second time in two years. Last year he thought he had the cancer fully removed but in September, he noticed a burning sensation and a lump reappear in his arm. The cancer was back.
Gord is currently undertaking 30 rounds of radiation in Sudbury that will be complete on December 4. At that point, the tumour should be reduced enough in size for surgery in Hamilton. In surgery, the doctors will find out if the cancer has spread to the bone or not. If the cancer has spread to the bone the next step would be to sever his arm.
Autumn VanHorn just found out recently she has aggressive breast cancer that spread to her lymph nodes. She starts chemotherapy and radiation treatment next week and will be finding out if it has spread to other parts of her body. Doctors are still doing tests to see what the prognosis is.
Autumn grew up in Gore Bay, but is currently living in Little Current. She is married with three young girls. She works at Manitoulin Transport but their lives are going to be on hold while she partakes in treatment in Sudbury. The family is going to be burdened with many trips back and forth, and loss of income with time off work. She has short term disability but it could take time to kick in and the family income will be much less.
Three-year-old Gabe Hillyard was diagnosed with childhood nephrotic syndrome, a kidney disease, last November. His mother Stephanie Hillyard noted it is not something that could have been prevented, and is fairly rare, with 16 out of 100,000 children being diagnosed with their first attack between ages two and five. “Usually children outgrow it by adolescence, but it is something he/we’ll be dealing with for the foreseeable future. He is currently on three different medications and three vitamins/supplements, with urine tests every other day and either monthly or bi-weekly bloodwork.”
In 2019 the family has travelled to Sick Kids hospital in Toronto four times and NeoKids in Sudbury roughly every other month. At the end of April they had a scare when Gabe was hospitalized for a week in Sudbury and Toronto. His team of doctors and nurses (both in Sudbury and Toronto) were amazing, and helped the family get Gabe the care he needed, including a kidney biopsy, a new line of medication and support in the form of information and resources.
“Currently Gabe is the happiest, most clever three-year-old you could meet,” said Stephanie. “His favourite place is at the farm, in the garden or in the arena watching his daddy drive the Zamboni. He adores his brother, reading with his mommy, singing and playing with his tractors. As of right now he is stable, but will have to return to both Sick Kids and NeoKids in the New Year for a number of appointments yet to be determined, and continue with his dosage of medications twice a day.”
The fourth recipient to receive help from the Frosty Cup is Dylon Whyte of Gore Bay. He told the Recorder, “being diagnosed with Lymphoma is one of the best things that has ever happened to me. Not only did it completely explain a myriad of mysterious health problems I had been experiencing, it also helped me prioritize my life by teaching me what was of true value and what was worth shedding. My current plans are to enjoy my doctor ordered rest and relaxation while loving my cancer to death and looking forward to the day when I can honestly joke about remembering ‘that time I had cancer’.”
“Both Ashley, my wife, without whom none of this would be possible, and myself would both like to thank everyone who has expressed their love and support,” said Mr. Whyte. “Including the Frosty Cup, our family, friends and fans both near and far. Especially those who have been tuning into our live Facebook broadcasts. We are deeply honoured and humbled by all your well-wishes.”
As for the tournament, there will be a total of 16 teams taking part in three divisions with the proceeds from the tournament going to the four individuals outlined.
“We would like to encourage everyone to come out to enjoy the tournament and the events and support these four individuals in the process,” added Mr. McDougall.
