by Anthony MacDonald
Guelph, ON — Yesterday (Feb. 25) I sent a note out on Facebook and Twitter (see below).
“I’ve been racing my whole life and I can’t remember ever coming across a more cheerful and happy gentleman than Paul Belanger. Last week I learned that my friend Paul had been diagnosed with cancer, and he was forced to stop training horses to get ready for the race of his life. In our industry we might battle one another every week on the track, but few of us ever battle cancer. Like many of us, Paul is far too proud to ask for help in this, his time of need. So I’m asking for him. Please join me in giving Paul whatever financial security we can so he can focus at the job at hand in such a stressful time. Get better soon Paul, keep smiling and laughing, we are all here for you.”
I’ll be honest, I’ve never been to Paul Belanger’s house. I have never had supper with him; but I have driven horses for him and seen him laughing at the track several times a week for well over a decade. He’s always smiling and happy and is one of those people who literally would give you the shirt off of his back.
He is not the first friend I’ve had to be diagnosed with cancer, we all know people who are suffering and need help. But from time to time we stop for a moment and try to imagine what it’s like to be that person. Be their wife, husband or child. And at that moment action is needed.
Please feel free to join me in helping a man who would absolutely reciprocate given the chance.
Please go to www.gofundme.com/56z58io.