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continued from p.18 life. As family physicians, we get to see people in their normal function, so we know them before their sick," said Meharchand. "When they do become sick with something devastating like cancer, (which) you know is going to go in a certain direction, it's quite emotionally difficult and taxing for us at times to walk through that with them." Affected personally The Oakville physician has also been affected personally. Meharchand's sister was diagnosed with uterine cancer when she was 50, but treatment at the PMCC eradicated it and she is living cancer-free at 62 years old. The disease was a "very difficult thing" for her, Meharchand said, but he's proud of her for buckling down and grabbing it by the horns. He noted she is an oncologist who works with cancer patients as well. "It seems very odd that someone dealing with cancer would get cancer, but the truth of the matter is that we're subject to everything we treat. We get everything that everyone else gets. Sometimes we treat ourselves well and sometimes we treat ourselves badly," said Meharchand. "But she sought the help that she needed and listened to the professionals. She's doing very well... she's one of the good stories." Meharchand said it's very rewarding to be involved in the Ride, noting he raised approximate- Public commitment to fight cancer a morale boost for physicians ly $3,000-$4,000 in his first outing in 2011. He rode on a team with eight coworkers from his medical clinic. Doing a little bit more "There's that element of giving something of yourself more, rather than through the work, that is important. I want to do a little bit more. It's an easy sell to get me to come back and do something like this," said Meharchand. This year, he will be riding with the Bloor West Village Idiots, which is a "pretty well known team on the Ride circuit," Meharchand said, noting the group will have about 30 cyclists. "It's based on a small riding club in Bloor West Village. They brand themselves as a bunch of fools who raise a lot of `dough' for finding a cure in a lifetime. That's a worthwhile thing," said Meharchand, who's hoping to raise $8,000 this year. The Oakville resident said the Ride has the ability to "galvanize the whole community and the successes we're having to do something very positive for something that touches everyone." Support in tough times "As a physician, we are always trying to support people through their toughest times, but to see how everyday, ordinary people take it to heart, get involved and do things... that's very boosting for us and our morale in what we do." The Ride to Conquer Cancer starts at Humber College's Lakeshore Campus, 3199 Lakeshore Blvd. W., in Toronto. While registration is closed, people can donate to the event online at www.conquercancer.ca or by calling 1-877-699-(BIKE). To donate to Meharchand, visit his personal page at http://goo.gl/YJvJGe. 19 | Thursday, June 4, 2015 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com halton.ca 311 Halton Region Small Business Centre Upcoming business seminars and programs First Steps in Importing Understanding product-related regulations, suppliers and country of origin, financial aspects, logistics and other partners, customs documentation and clearance. Wednesday, June 24 Halton Regional Centre 6:30 ­ 8:30 p.m. · $25/person Starting a Small Business Seminar Business structure, registrations, regulations, licences, taxes and financing options. Wednesday, July 8 Halton Regional Centre 6:30 ­ 8:30 p.m. · $25/person Getting Started Information Session A one-hour overview of all the rules and regulations you need to know if you are starting a business in Halton. Every Tuesday 9 ­ 10 a.m. Halton Regional Centre ­ Small Business Centre Free (advance registration is required) Starter Company Program ­ General Information Session (18-29 yr olds) Training, business skills development, mentorship and guidance from local business professionals. Where eligible, a micro-grant of up to $5,000 may be available. Learn how to become your own boss today! 1st and 3rd Tuesday each month in 2015 10 ­ 11 a.m. Halton Regional Centre Free (advance registration is required) Futurpreneur Canada - General Information Session (18-39 yr olds) If you're a young entrepreneur, looking to start your own full-time small business, you could get up to $15,000 through the Futurpreneur Canada financing program. Start your future today! 1st and 3rd Tuesday each month in 2015 11 a.m. ­ 12 p.m. Halton Regional Centre Free (advance registration is required) Kevin Flynn, MPP for Oakville presents: Alzheimer's A Message of HOPE Alzheimer's Society of Hamilton Halton, Mississauga Halton Community Care Access Centre (CCAC), and community advocates. A SENIORS SYMPOSIUM Speakers will include: Registration and pre-payment for all seminars is required as seating is limited. For more information on these events including registration details, please visit halton.ca/smallbusiness or dial 311. Special Guest Speaker MPP Indira Naidoo-Harris Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Health and Long-Term Care Explore Halton this summer! Halton is a great place to live and also a great place to visit. The summer season offers residents and visitors a wide variety of things to see and do including cycling, rock climbing, shopping, arts and culture, local farmers markets, concerts and festivals and much more. Our communities have small town charm, but offer big city shopping and dining experiences. We are also the home of cycling in Ontario, from the waterfront to our vast network of trails and rural routes ­ all levels of cyclists can find a great place to cycle. For more information about enjoying Halton this summer, visit halton.ca/tourism. Meetings at Halton Region, 1151 Bronte Rd., Oakville, L6M 3L1 Visit halton.ca/meetings for full schedule. June 10 9:30 a.m. Planning & Public Works Cttee. June 10 1:30 p.m. Administration & Finance Cttee. June 11 9:30 a.m. Health & Social Services Cttee. - cancelled June 17 9:30 a.m. Regional Council 040615 Tuesday June 9, 2015 | 6:00­8:00pm At the Queen Elizabeth Park Community and Culture Centre (QEPCCC) in the Black Box x Theatre, 2302 Bridge Road, Oakville Gary Carr Regional Chair Please RSVP to the Constituency y Offic Office to reserve a seat: Phone: 905-827-5141 Email: kflynn.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org Please contact us as soon as possible if you have any accessibility needs at Halton Region events or meetings.