Two Ottawa women are continuing the legacy of a loved one who had started a fundraising campaign to support cancer research.
Last May, Jonathan Bettles got some unexpected news that he had a rare and aggressive form of cancer. In his fight to defeat the disease, he started a fundraising campaign to support cancer research at the Ottawa Hospital. Sadly, he passed away on April 3 and, in his honour, his sister and cousin are continuing the fundraiser. He died at the age of 19.
“He was someone who really enjoys spending time outdoors. He worked for the family business in carpentry. He was also studying business and carpentry as well,” his sister, Catherine Bourdeau, told CTV Morning Live Friday.
“His life turned from one day to the next when he was diagnosed with a very aggressive form of lymphoma.”
He had taken a selfless approach to the disease following the diagnosis. His sister says though the journey was hard on the family, he faced every challenge with strength.
“(He was) a very strong individual,” she said.
Hyrox competition in Bettles honour
Cousin Janelle Blais says a hybrid workout, known as hyrox, is taking place in Barcelona in his honour.
“We’ll be running around eight kilometres and after each one kilometre, we have a station that we have to complete,” Blais said.
The stations include a skier, some rowing and much more, she says.
When asked about Bettles’ message to the world, Bourdeau says “he would thank everyone who donated to the cause so far,” as they’ve surpassed his goal of $25,000.
“I think that he would say ‘every donation, big or small, continues to make a difference in the research,‘” she said. “He would also say ‘face every battle.‘”
The sister and the cousin are leaving for Barcelona on April 23. To donate and for more information, visit johnnyfortoh.ca.
Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system, which is part of the body’s immune system. It begins when healthy cells in the lymphatic system change and grow out of control.
