By Debra Downey, Senior Editor
Chris Minnett?s rural Ancaster property will take on the distinct flavour of New Orleans later this month, all in the name of raising funds for prostate cancer survivorship programs.
Complete with a bayou, whispering willows, upbeat jazz/swing music, the tastes of the Big Easy and the croak of an occasional bull frog, guests are invited to share in an evening of entertainment, food and fun, while Minnett celebrates his birthday and reaches a long-term goal of raising money to help others.
Minnett, 40, is both a testicular cancer survivor and works in the medical field to assist people with issues like urinary incontinence, erectile dysfunction and social avoidance.
?We wanted to do this, have a charity event, last year for my 39th, but we had just moved out here and were continually making improvements? said Minnett. ?This year I?m turning 40, and instead of people giving gifts ? because, really, if I want something, I go out and buy it ? I have asked for a donation to Prostate Cancer Canada.?
An admitted party boy in his younger years, Minnett was diagnosed with testicular cancer at age 29. Unlike many men, he experienced pain and discovered a pea-size lump in one of his testicles. Minnett underwent a radical orchiectomy to remove the testicle. Subsequent tests showed the tumour was encapsulated and had not spread.
Minnett, however, admits the diagnosis and treatment were a wake-up call that made him realize there was more to life than drinks, dining, women and having a blast.
?It was life-changing,? he said. ?At that point, I was not taking life too serious, but I got focused because I had been given a second chance.?
Minnett is now happily married to wife Cindy, has settled into a stunning country home and works for Red Leaf Medical, a Mississauga-based company that provides medical products to help patients get the most out life every day.
Through both his job and his own experience with testicular cancer, Minnett is determined to change the quality of life for people who have undergone prostate surgery.
?A lot of money goes into research and development, but I want to work on a survivorship program because most people do survive prostate cancer,? said Minnett. ?What do men and their partners need afterward because it (surgery) can ruin the intimacy of a relationship? Women are affected as well as men.?
Through his work with Red Leaf Medical, Minnett meets with prostate cancer support groups, and sees and interacts with people and couples affected by prostate cancer. He said the level of care for survivors varies from city to city and physician to physician.
?Hopefully, we can get something standardized across Canada,? said Minnett.
Minnett?s Prostate Cancer Backyard Summer Jam takes place Saturday, Aug. 25, 909 Ferguson Rd. in Alberton. Tickets are $100. The event includes wine from Central Valley Winery and beer donated by Better Bitters, a catered meal by Niche Catering, door prizes, the sweet sounds of headlining band Big Rude Jake, along with entertainment by Tom Anthony and Tropical Daze. Minnett hopes to raise upwards of $8,000 for Prostate Cancer Canada, a goal that has already been boosted by a $3,500 donation from Parker Mann?s Tea.
For more information on Minnett?s Prostate Cancer Backyard Summer Jam, visit the website www.bluetieevent.ca or call 905-631-0361.
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