Cancer survivor shares his story
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Cancer has knocked Rick Beneff to the mat three times in the last 10 years.
But the 53-year-old Delhi resident got up each time.
“God only gives you what you can handle,” Beneff said prior to the annual Norfolk Terry Fox Run in Simcoe on Sunday. “I’m a three-time cancer survivor and I’m here now to share my story and help others.
“Dark days will come when you’re battling cancer but you have to stay positive and you have to keep battling.”
Beneff, who spent his life in the family concrete business, recalls his first round in his bout against cancer.
“I was working… but I just didn’t feel right,” Beneff said. “I went in to get checked out and they found a tumour.
“Turns out I had the same cancer as (former Toronto mayor) Rob Ford.”
Beneff, like Ford, who died in March 2016, was diagnosed with pleomorphic liposarcoma. He had surgery to remove the tumour, which weighed nearly 30 pounds.
“I couldn’t believe it,” he said. “I had this huge, evil looking thing living inside me.”
At that time, his sister, Sonia, was already battling cancer. She lost her hair because of her treatment and Beneff, as a way of supporting her, shaved his head.
“I went to see her after my diagnosis and told her that I had decided to support her even more by getting cancer,” he said. “She lost her battle with cancer.
“But she’s still with me. I feel her presence all the time and she’s always encouraging me, telling me that I can do it.”
Beneff’s cancer returned twice, resulting in more surgeries and other procedures to deal with complications following the third operation.
On Sunday, Beneff spoke about all the people – his family, friends and others — who helped him during his ordeal.
He also spoke about drawing inspiration from Terry Fox.
“I’m sure there were a lot of times when Terry was hurting and feeling tired,” Beneff said. “But he never gave up hope and he never gave up.
“That’s what we do when we battle cancer. We keep fighting. We never give up.”
This year marks the 39th anniversary of Fox’s Marathon of Hope. Fox managed to run 5,373 kilometres from St. John’s, N.L., to Thunder Bay, Ont. before his caner returned and forced him to stop.
Fox died June 28, 1981, at age 22.
The Terry Fox Foundation raises money for cancer research through annual Terry Fox runs, school runs and other fund-raising programs. It has raised more than $750 million worldwide.
Jenn Kaczynski, chair of the Norfolk run, said she is in awe of Beneff.
“When I think of Rick, I think courage,” Kaczynski said. “He’s a courageous individual and I’m so grateful he was here today to share his story.”
The Norfolk event usually attracts more than 200 participants including many cancer survivors, their families and friends. It also brings together a lot of volunteers and sponsors.
Organizers hoped to raise about $16,000 for cancer research.
“It’s a great event for an important cause and it brings the community together,” Kaczynski said.
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