www.insideHALTON.com | OAKVILLE BEAVER | Friday, March 18, 2016 | 10 Cancer battle put Murray's life into perspective continued from p.9 years, will be cycling as part of Steve's Cycle Paths -- The Ride's largest team, which has raised $5.4 million over the years. He has personally raised $43,000 over the past five years and is hoping to raise more than $7,000 this year to bring his total to $50,000, which will support The Princess Margaret Cancer Centre where he underwent two surgeries and four months of chemotherapy. Looking back on his cancer experience, he said despite it being a difficult time, it put his life into perspective. He described how he was able to get through it by having a positive outlook on life. "I had a young baby as well, so you know, I had a real reason to beat this thing," he said, sharing how his son was only a few months old when he accompanied Murray to a few of his chemotherapy treatments. "People would be sitting there getting their treatments and holding this baby and it was actually kind of a neat experience because as you can imagine it's not exactly a cheery place so when you bring a baby in there, everybody just kind of perks up," Murray described. He continued, anytime you go through an experience like that, it makes you appreciate what you have more and how it can easily be taken away. "When people go through any disease or life-threatening situation, there's an appreciation for the things that are often taken for granted," said Murray, who's father, mother and grandparents are among people who have experienced cancer. Participating in the ride, he added, is a way for him to celebrate his and his family's health and help raise more awareness about melanoma. "I think there are a lot of people who die from melanoma and people need to realize it's a very preventable cancer," he said. "You just have to wear some sunscreen." Over the next month, Murray will begin training for the ride. He says 200 kilometres may sound daunting, but it is achievable for a person with "reasonably good health." The ride isn't a race and is done at one's own pace, Chuck Murray of Oakville is celebrating 14 years cancer free, after being diagnosed with melanoma back in February 2002. He is participating in the Enbridge Ride to Conquer with several breaks along the way, Murray explained. For more information about the Ride to Conquer Cancer for the sixth time this June. | photo by Graham Paine Oakville Beaver (Follow on Twitter @halton_photog or www.facebook.com/HaltonPhotog) Conquer Cancer, visit www.conquercancer.ca. "It feels good to know it's all taken care of." ADDITIONS: Design, Permits, Construction EXTERIOR RENOVATIONS: Windows, Wood Siding, Stucco, Stone, Roofing INTERIOR RENOVATIONS: Interior Design, Kitchens, Basements, Flooring, Painting Over 70% of people polled* admit it... they don't know the details of their partner's funeral and cemetery wishes. How about you? Thinking ahead makes sense, so discover your options. Discuss it with your loved ones. Pre-planning is easy with the Family Registry Estate Planner from Arbor Memorial. COMPLETE RENOVATIONS · LICENSED · CERTIFIED · PROFESSIONAL & RELIABLE Call today to order your FREE Planning Kit 905-257-1100 glenoaks.ca Glen Oaks Funeral Home & Cemetery by Arbor Memorial 905.334.0445 www.eastviewhomes.ca 3164 Ninth Line (403 & Dundas St.) Mississauga/Oakville, ON Arbor Memorial Inc. * Arbor Memorial Inc. survey of 1,033 Canadians conducted by Environics Research Group Ltd. in August 2015 CONCRETE ExposEd aggrEgatE (pebble) · DRIVEWAYS · FRENCH CURBS · PATIOS · STEPS · WALKWAYS · GARAGE FLOORS uality At Its Best! Call Fernando FREE ESTIMATES Zoë, Grade 12. Current HSC Arts Scholar, future headliner. 905-844-5518 1-888-944-5518 Hillfield Strathallan College is an independent day school for Montessori Toddler and Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 12. Join us for our Open House on Wednesday, April 6. Call 905-389-1367, or visit www.hsc.on.ca, for details. www.concretetrimmings.com www