Prostate Cancer Support Edmonton
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July 2025

This week we lost a good friend and valuable member of our peer support society. Ray Provencher would spend time with us as often as he could despite his illness. He was a generous man, inspiring all of us with his tenacity, kindness, courage and determination. It was a blessing to have him with us. We extend our condolences to Ray’s family for their loss. Below is the obituary from Ray’s family:


 

In loving memory of Ray who passed away July 3, 2025 

Ray had a way of turning moments into memories. Whether it was his laugh echoing through a movie theatre, his unmistakable sneezes, his knack for blurting out something awkward at the perfectly inopportune moment (which he would later recount in vivid detail to his family), or his unwavering commitment to being the last one clapping, he reminded us, again and again, that joy lives in the little things, especially when shared with those we love.

Ray was such a kind and loving soul: a caring dad, husband, son, brother and uncle. He poured his heart into his family, going head-to-head in Wordle with his daughter Ayla, building Lego creations with his son Sam, and taking long walks through Millcreek Ravine with the family’s dogs Poppy and Matilda. He and his wife, Carrie, shared a love and home full of laughter, warmth, and joy. As a vegetarian for nearly 30 years, Ray turned mealtimes into memorable family moments—often centered around a new lentil-based experiment that Carrie concocted. Whether the recipe was a hit or a hilarious miss, the dinner table was always a place of connection, laughter, and playful games shared with those Ray loved most.

Ray had a deep passion for cycling and held a lifelong love for kung fu movies, often quoting his favourite lines. He loved puzzles, from Suduko to fitting too much luggage into the trunk of the car to interpreting IKEA furniture instructions. And most of all, Ray loved helping people. He considered it a true honour to play a role in improving the lives of others through care, precision, and compassion in his role as a seating specialist. 

 Ray’s passing leaves a space that will never be filled, but his joy, kindness, and unforgettable laugh will continue to echo in the hearts of everyone who knew him. He will be deeply missed by his wife, Carrie, his children, Ayla and Sam, his parents, Ray and Murielle, and his sister, Michelle, along with her family, Travis, Lauren, and Emily, as well as countless extended family and friends.

The family wishes to express heartfelt thanks to the incredible staff at Unit 43 of the Grey Nuns Hospital and at the Cross Cancer Institute for their exceptional care and kindness, as well as to his colleagues who went above and beyond to support Ray’s journey. 

 

Ray had a way of making life brighter, funnier, and more meaningful just by being in it. We are so grateful he was.

 To share a memory or story about Ray, please visit: bit.ly/MemoryForRay.

June 2025 Newsletter

Sincere thanks for your efforts in trying to find a solution for Ray. The GoFundMe Page had surpasssed $20K last time I checked. Your contributions were incredibly helpful to Ray’s famly and treatment.

At the June AGM, John Breen was elected as President of PEPSS to a 1 year term. Thanks John. John has extensive business and leadership experience from his Military career, his Air Traffic Control career and his business as Canada’s top air show commentator. Let’s offer John a hand as he leads our members to continue our important work and improve our profile in the Edmonton PC community. Brian Link and Terry Kirkland were elected as Members at Large. These incumbent Excutive members graciously allowed their names to stand and were elected to complete the Executive Team. Les McElwain / Randy Round / Gerald Lyons / Bill Hobbins / Michael Tileard / Kelly Keen / Brent Kormanicki / Dan Post. My thanks to this team for lightening my load in the last last 2 years.

A reminder – we do not meet in Julty or August. We host the 2nd annual BBQ (August 20) 11:30 am to 2:00PM to acknowledge Wellspring and the use of their lovely facility. Hope to see a few members at the BBQ to help us with this outing.

Stay tuned for details of Wellspring’s first “over the edge” fundraiser in Sept. This entails rapelling down 27 floors of the of the Sandman Inn downtown. I am in. Any others to join a PEPSS team?

Terry Kirkland
For the Executive and President John Breen.

February 2025 Newsletter

At our regular Tuesday night meeting this past week (Feb 11th), we had a very interesting and informative presentation by Alex Rolland on the topic of “Game changing new therapies for the treatment of prostate cancer using precision oncology”.

Slides of the presentation are attached at the bottom.

Additionally, here are some other resources that Alex is recommending:

RNA testing:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HU_1uaWxNOs

HER2 testing:

https://youtu.be/j83Xj0rFhd4?si=9vMssCLaptu9VsX3

DNA testing:

https://youtu.be/cXPkPP4hzXQ?

Antibody drug conjugates:

https://youtu.be/E8WMHBWQjnw?

Visit My YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@justcancerfacts

Visit The Cancer Guy: https://www.youtube.com/@TheCancerGuy

The best way to contact Alex is contained in the attachment Precision Second Opinion Consultation Details

The other attachment is: Precision Oncology For Metastatic Castration Resistant Prostate Cancer

December 2024 Newsletter

 

Thanks for the excellent support and participation in 2024. 

Please accept the Executives’ wishes for good health and memorable times with family and friends in 2025.  Dr Tamm advised us that the Canadian Association of Nuclear Medicine has reached agreement with Novartis to include a new drug (Pluvicto) in the treatment of metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer (cancer that has spread beyond the prostate). This is a precision cancer treatment that uses a radioactive particle (lutetium 177) that binds to prostate cancer cells that express PSMA. The radioisotope attaches to the target cells and damages them, disrupting  their ability to replicate. This is a game changer for men that have had PC escape the prostate  gland.

There will be a bit of a delay before Pluvicto is available as each Province has to follow protocols to use it as a treatment modality. A reasonable guess before it is available would be 6 months from this date.

Stephanie Weimar contacted me seeking men in our Society that may be interested in participating in a short film to speak of their experience in the Canadian healthcare system. As the “wait” list continues to grow for PC treatment, this would be an effective lobby for improvement. 

Producer – award winning Jamie Kastner (https://cave7productions.com/). Check out his past work.

Stephanie Weimar – writer / director / story editor.  stephanie.wiemar@gmail.com  / 416 827-4277. Contact Stephanie for more details.

 

We have several men in the Society that are excellent speakers that know their subject well. Give this opportunity some consideration. It might be your first step to possible fame.

 
National Council Activities:  www.prostatecancersupport.ca

August Newsletter

As you know we will not be meeting in August. However PEPSS is hosting a BBQ for the membership of Wellspring in appreciation for the monthly use of their facility. The BBQ will be held Tuesday August 13 between 11:30 and 1:30. Randy Petersen has secured donations of  food and supplies from his employer (Torch Industries).  All we need is a few members to give us a hand to serve the meal. It would be great if you can help us out and have a little fun. Please let Terry Kirkland know if you can give us a couple of hours of your time (text or email 780 909-9960 – terry48kirk@gmail.com) . Thanks


According to a recent communication from the Kipness Centre staff, PSMA Pet scans will be available for purchase in Alberta August 9th. MIC will be the provider of the Pet scans. I am not sure of the cost – my guess, about $4000.   As you know the PSMA Pet scan can determine the location of  Prostate cancer that has metastasized outside the prostate. This is incredibly helpful to determine a treatment program. The PSMA Pet scan is far superior to the bone scan offered. 


There is a website members can explore if they would like to participate in  clinical trials around the world. Clinic Trials are an important component for improved treatment / cures for diseases. https://www.ancora.ai/


A little help please. Uro Spot is a business advertising a chair that apparently works the pelvic floor and kegel muscles to help improve continence. Have any members or spouses tried this treatment? If so, are you willing to share your experience? Call Terry with your assessment. 780 909-9960. 


The ManVan is hosting its first fund raising event September 8 to 14. We would be pleased to have as many members as possible attend this unique event. This fundraiser offers 7 nights of exceptional dining at Cafe AMORE Bistro (10807 106 ST)  The evening starts at 5:30 and offers a different meal selection each evening. A celebrity MC will host the evening. Click on the attached link and be sure to click on the + sign for the menu and celebrity MC. https://www.prostatecancercentre.ca/thatsamorefesta/. Treat your spouse or friend to an evening of fine food, fun and entertainment. Encourage  family, friends or colleagues to join us with this unique and important fundraiser. Nona and I will attend Friday September 13.

May 2024 Newsletter

Meeting Tuesday, May 14th
Doors open for setup at 6:30PM, Meeting 7:00-8:45PM
 
Our sincere thanks to Dr Howard Evans and Dr Nick Dean for sharing their time with the 32 members in attendance on April 9th.  By all accounts the meeting was very well received and intimately engaging.
 
This month we are fortunate to have Dr Roseline Godbout, Research Assistant Dr Rong Zong Liu and graduate student Mitch Seminuik present their studies on genes and proteins that cause cancer to spread and time frames associated with the metastasis of prostate cancer from gland to areas outside the prostate.
 
Dr Godbout is a Professor in the Dept of Oncology  and has authored or co-authored over 60 scientific papers. She was one of the recipients of the Game Changer Fund awarded by the Alberta Cancer Foundation to medical  professionals on  the verge of making a breakthrough on  the complex and vexing idiosyncrasies of cancer diseases.
 
It would be wonderful if we showed our appreciation to Dr Godbout and her staff for sharing an evening with us by “filling the room again”.
 
June is our AGM (about 20 minutes) . Our speaker will be Brian Kryska. As you will remember, presented to the members on focal ablation treatment he underwent in the USA. Treatment that allowed him to enjoy a long walk the day of surgery. Brian has  had a PSMA Pet scan in the last month and will share results at this meeting. Brian is actively lobbying to bring this treatment to Canada and has made substantial connections to this end with the Edmonton professionals and influencers.
 
Hope to see you on May 14th. Bring a friend, neighbour, family member or someone you know may benefit from Dr Godbouts extensive knowledge. 
 
We will provide light snacks and drinks at the meeting. 
 
As always, you are encouraged to bring along a friend or family member that may be facing a PC diagnosis. If you are aware of someone struggling with PC, let us know and we will try to help. 
 
If you have questions or suggestions before the meeting, email Terry Kirkland: info@pepss.ca
 
Terry Kirkland
 
National Council Activities:  www.prostatecancersupport.ca

ManVan Update, January 2024

The ManVan initiative is a growing success. Coordinator Keith Persuad has the Van booked until the end of March.

We would enthusiastically welcome more volunteers to help host these events. This is a simple task. We approach men that appear to be between 50 and 70 years of age and ask if they would like to receive a free PSA test . If they consent, we use a small tablet to collect a minimal amount of personal information – date of birth, postal code and a point of contact where they can receive the results of their test. More often than not, the men that consent often put the data into the system. A very easy task. If you shadow myself or one of the other volunteers for an hour, that will allow you to determine if this volunteer opportunity is for you. When we recruit a few more volunteers the Calgary Prostate Centre will facilitate a training session.

You can also volunteer as a driver of the ManVan to scheduled events. The 32′ ManVan is scheduled to arrive in YEG in June. It is designed with 3 nursing stations and equipment to process and spin blood samples collected. In the interim we are using a 19 seat passenger van to deliver the equipment to the events. CPC pays the drivers $25 per hour and if the event is out of town, expenses and accomodation costs.

An example of upcoming events – The YEG Home and Reno Show / The Boat and Sportsman Show / The Home and Garden Show / Lexus of Edmonton private event. Out of town events will include Beaver Lake Cree Nation / Duffield Paul Nation. The future will take us to some of our northern cities served by the Kipness Clinic.

I have had the pleasure of working with several members and there is no shortage of fun and kibitzing. Come and join us.

If interested, contact Terry Kirkland at terry48kirk@gmail.com / 780 909-9960 text or call. This will allow us to schedule an orientation course and collect the necessary info for CPC.

If you want to test run this opportunity, let me know and I will gladly have you shadow me for an hour or so at one of the events. If you are at the Home Reno Show this weekend ,stop by the booth and introduce yourself.

Thanks for helping to spread PC awareness.

January Newsletter

 
Tuesday, January 9th
Doors open for setup at 6:30PM, Meeting 7:00-8:45PM
 

Please accept the Executive’s wishes for a fulfilling 2024 and the good health that allows you to enjoy the coming year.

Dr Desmond Pink is our scheduled speaker for the January 9th membership meeting held at the lovely Wellspring facility. Desmond will provide an update on the newly launched ClarityDX testing protocol. This test is a refined PSA testing protocol and Desmond will share the most recent responses from PC patients, the medical practitioners and health care providers such as AHS / FDA and Canada Health. There are several PEPSS members that have received this test and if they are present, I am sure Desmond will include them in his presentation.

The ManVan has a busy January schedule and our thanks to those that have volunteered to attend these clinics. There is always a need to increase the volunteer contingent, so we can embrace the “many hands make for little work”. A permanent ManVan will arrive in YEG in the spring and is expected to travel to some Northern Alberta communities. As a driver you will be paid $25 per hour and expenses incurred when volunteering. I have had fun with this volunteering and got to know members on a more personal basis. Come on and share that fun. Send me an email indicating you will help and we will set up an orientation course for you to attend (4 or 5 hours.) Thanks to Joe and Bruce for offering to shadow us at a couple of January stops.

Dr John Lewis and his research team lead by Desmond, have generously given their time to the PEPSS group. Let’s provide Desmond with reciprocal support and attend the meeting to show we appreciate the endless work they do to improve PC treatments. The meeting is held at Wellspring, Tuesday January 9th (11306 65 Ave) . Call to order at 7:00PM. Adjournment before 9:00 PM.

Thanks for the engaging support year in 2023. Let’s keep the momentum going.

 

We will provide light snacks and drinks at the meeting. 
 
As always, you are encouraged to bring along a friend or family member that may be facing a PC diagnosis. If you are aware of someone struggling with PC, let us know and we will try to help. 
 
If you have questions or suggestions before the meeting, email Terry Kirkland: info@pepss.ca
 
Terry Kirkland
 
National Council Activities:  www.prostatecancersupport.ca

December Newsletter

Thanks to the 29 members that attended the November meeting to listen to and provide support to our speaker Ray P. By all accounts it was an informative and engaging meeting..

Please join us at Wellspring December 12 / 7:00 PM for our monthly meeting. Bryan Krysta has agreed to share his story on treatment for a very large prostate. Brian did spend time at the Kipness Prostate Clinic and after consulting with our urology team, chose to have treatment in the USA. Brian is an articulate professional that will enlighten those in attendance. Come and support Brian.

We are always trying to broaden our membership resources so we can assist those that join us on the PC path. If you have received Cryotherapy, and are willing to share your experience please contact Terry (780 909-9960). If you have prostate cancer that has metastasized and is outside the prostate, we could profit from your experience if you are willing to share.

Tuesday, November 14th
Doors open for setup at 6:30PM, Meeting 7:00-8:45PM
 
We will provide light snacks and drinks at the meeting. 
 
As always, you are encouraged to bring along a friend or family member that may be facing a PC diagnosis. If you are aware of someone struggling with PC, let us know and we will try to help. 
 
If you have questions or suggestions before the meeting, email Terry Kirkland: info@pepss.ca
 
Terry Kirkland
 
National Council Activities:  www.prostatecancersupport.ca

October Newsletter

Members
Thanks to the 39 members that attended the  September meeting. Dr Kinnaird stated he was impressed and the trickle down effect at the Kipness Clinic will put us in good stead. Thanks again for answering the call.
 
One of the Executive goals is to lobby  for an improved Kipness Centre education program. The Calgary Prostate centre has a very robust education program ranging from spiritual care to partner care.  Treated PC members are the CPC volunteers helping new members navigate their clinic.and educating.
 
We are fortunate to have Bear Johal in town from Vancouver for the Oct 10th meeting. Bear is the owner of Osborn Medical Canada. He has developed the only FDA approved vacuum therapy solutions used primarily for penile rehab and health. He has conducted extensive educational sessions for many prostate groups. He will present at the Kipness Centre the following day.  
 
I can assure members,  you will be surprised at how many urology clinics include this in their educational programs.. Calgary included. 
 
Give the Executive some help and be prepared to share the educational material/classes you received at the Kipness Centre.
 
Meeting Location: the lovely  Wellspring Facility.(11306 65 Ave) Tuesday Oct 10. Doors open at 6:30.
Adjournment not later than 8:40 PM. Could use help setting up chairs and putting them away. 
upon adjournment.
 
Hope to see another great crowd.

Terry for the Executive
780 909-9960
terry48kirk@gmail.com

Talk to a member that has received prostate cancer treatment

You may not want to ask questions at a group meeting. You may want to speak with someone having the same issues. You may want to talk with someone who has gone through the same treatment you are considering. Or after treatment, you may be dealing with complications.