Heather Wright/The Independent

When Al Bezaire’s wife Ericka was diagnosed with breast cancer last year, he felt “helpless.”

“I was with her every one of her 16 chemotherapy treatments, just sitting there. The unknown was really difficult, especially early on, when you didn’t know the severity and you’re just kind of playing a bit of a waiting game and you see a strong, independent woman who’s tough as nails, go through that and you’re helpless,” Bezaire says.

That helpless feeling has turned to joy with Ericka’s clean bill of health. Bezaire says its because of the “amazing, amazing care” she received from the “saintly” medical staff in Bluewater Health’s oncology unit and the supportive community of Port Lambton. 

“We’re so appreciative that we were able to receive the chemo treatments here, locally, close to family, close to friends, they were there to help us with the kids,” says Bezaire. 

“All Ericka had to worry about was getting better and getting healthy. We didn’t have to worry about anything else.”

And Ericka did get better leaving Al, “in awe of her strength and her determination and her stubbornness… I can never complain about having a man cold again,” he joked.

Now the Port Lambton family has found a way to say thank you for the care Ericka received at Bluewater Health. Bezaire, who is the head coach of the Lambton Lion’s Men’s Baseball team, has organized Curveballs for Cancer Care.

During the Sept. 20 double header against the Sault College Cougars, there will be games, contests, raffles and give-aways to raise money for Bluewater Health’s $5 million campaign to renovate the Cancer Care centre.

“The least we could do as a family was try and put something together to show our appreciation that we were able to receive such great care and treatment locally.”

“And as I’m a teacher here at the college as well, (its) to kind of teach our student athletes about giving back and gratitude and working towards something a little bit bigger than themselves and being active citizens and contributing to their community.”

The action takes place Saturday, Sept. 20 at 1pm at Errol Russell Park in Sarnia.