History
Craig’s Cause Pancreatic Cancer Society was created in memory of Craig Schurman Condon, who lost his battle with Pancreatic Cancer 8 weeks after diagnosis. Craig was an avid cyclist, outdoor enthusiast and health conscious individual. His diagnosis and brief fight with Pancreatic Cancer, left his family and friends stunned and saddened. To make matters worse, his family felt frustrated at the lack of information and support available to patients, caregivers, physicians and researchers throughout Canada.
Craig passed away on September 29th, 2006 and the family decided that 100% of the memorial donations should be directed to Pancreatic Cancer Research. In an amazing show of support from family and friends, over $8,000.00 was donated in memory of a friend and loved one. This was the start of Craig’s Cause Pancreatic Cancer Society, incorporating as a non profit organization in 2007.
Presently, Craig’s Cause Pancreatic Cancer Society is one of two organizations in Canada (the only one east of Quebec), providing current information, education, awareness and support to patients, caregivers and physicians affected by or working with patients diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
Funds raised support Pancreatic Cancer Research at the QEII Health Sciences Centre, a Patient Support Fund for patients in need of financial support during treatment at the QEII, and awareness programs throughout Canada.
It is important to point out that the society is operated 100% by volunteers and Corporate Sponsors. Our operating budget is made possible by the generous support of Corporate Sponsors who donate; time and talents, products and funds. It is only with their support that we can continue to cover our costs 100% by Corporate Sponsorship. The operation of Craig’s Cause Pancreatic Cancer Society, including both awareness campaigns and fundraising events, are made possible by the individuals who generously donate their time and talents to ensure the success of the organization and the running of our events within our growing organization. We feel that this success sets us apart from many other organizations, in terms of what we raise and donate back!
About Craig
Dad was born in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia and was raised in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia. Although his career took him to Ontario for a number of years, he remained a Nova Scotian at heart, eventually returning to Nova Scotia in 1987. He graduated from Electrical Engineering at UNB in 1965 and one year later he married my mother Donna Marie (Anderson) Condon. His career with Litton Systems Canada included many accomplishments, over 36 years, taking him both nationally and internationally. It was here that many lasting friendships were formed, which were of great value to him.
Dad’s family and friends will always remember him as an avid outdoor enthusiast whose passion for a healthy lifestyle included such activities as cycling and boating, which brought much joy into his life. His talents extended into creating beautiful pieces of woodwork and landscaping his property. Lastly, he will always be remembered as a passionate Honda owner!! If he did not make a Honda owner out of you, he tried to!! Foremost in Dad’s life were his family, daughter, Stefanie (me) and my husband Paul Condon-Oldreive and grandchildren Jessica and Lucas; extended family in New Glasgow and St. John.
Craig Schurman Condon (August, 2004 - 61 years of age)This picture was taken after Dad crossed the finish line, on his first bicycle tour. This was the RONA MS Bike Tour which is a pledge-based fundraising event, supporting individuals living with MS. He had just turned 61 years of age and his passion for cycling was quickly developing. Crossing the finish line was a very "proud moment" in my fathers life, as one can tell by the smile on his face!! This smile and laugh will always be engrained in my memory.