The Medal of Courage is an award granted to an outstanding individual who in his or her personal battle with cancer has exhibited outstanding and unusual courage, and has significantly helped to further the mission of the Canadian Cancer Society or that of the cancer control community.
Ms. Jones was diagnosed with breast cancer in August of 2010. She made her cancer journey a public one in which she was able to reach out to many women, letting them know they are never alone. She has shared her experiences, feelings and emotions about her battle, all the while inspiring others who have been afflicted with this disease. She continues to urge women about the importance of regular testing for early detection and self care to help prevent cancer.
The Canadian Cancer Society Relay For Life Committee in Charlottetown, Newfoundland and Labrador, eagerly nominated Ms. Jones when they became aware of the award. Committee member Lisa Dempster submitted the application.
“We stand in awe once again of this amazing woman who has shown courage, strength and determination in many facets of her life for years but none so much as when she started her own personal battle with the monster called cancer. We applaud her,” said Ms. Dempster.
Yvonne continues to make her battle a public one. Speaking to many cancer survivors at a CCS Survivor’s Reception and Relay For Life event in St. John’s Saturday night, Ms. Jones told her story to those in attendance. Through strength of character, she has said, “If I can help one other person because of my journey, then it will have been worth it.”
As for the award itself, Jones felt deeply touched by the gesture.
“I’ve never received a gold medal in my life, unless it was for a Grade 3 sack race that I can’t recall winning,” said Jones, during the presentation Saturday night. “But I guarantee you, this is one gold medal that really matters to me. Thank you.”
Betty Newson, National Chair of the Canadian Cancer Society, says of Yvonne Jones, “Her generosity and dedication to the cancer cause, demonstrated through her extensive support of the Charlottetown Relay for Life and as an inspiration to other cancer patients, has assisted the Society greatly in our mission to eradicate cancer and enhance the quality of life of people living with cancer.”
The Canadian Cancer Society is a national community-based organization of volunteers whose mission is the eradication of cancer and the enhancement of the quality of life of people living with cancer. They invest in outstanding cancer research, provide reliable information on all cancers, deliver community-based support programs and lead cancer prevention initiatives.
For more information on the Canadian Cancer Society’s programs and services, or for information on a Relay For Life event, visit www.cancer.ca.
