CHARITIES
In 2004, island multi-sports donated money to the Canadian Cancer Society, the Bob McIntosh Scholarship Fund, the Kingfisher Swim Club, the Murray Crew Family Trust, the Canadian Diabetes Society, St. Johns Ambulance. With your help, we can continue to do this in 2005.

DAVE SMART FOUNDATION
This year we are pleased to be associated with the Dave Smart Foundation. We will be dedicating the 2005 race to Dave and helping to raise money for melanoma research, as well as auctioning off a race entry in his name (see the registration link to your left).

Dave’s Story
Dave was first diagnosed with a cancerous mole, called Malignant Melanoma, on his stomach in 2002. The mole was removed; however in 2003 the melanoma spread to the lymph nodes in his right armpit. The cancerous lymph nodes were removed; however in the Spring of 2004, the cancer returned again, this time as a tumor in his upper spine. The tumor was diagnosed at the end of May and Dave underwent 25 radiation treatments throughout June and July. By this time the Melanoma had spread to his liver and lungs. When the radiation treatments were complete, Dave started chemotherapy; however he only completed three of his six scheduled treatments. Dave had a particularly aggressive Melanoma and ultimately the cancer spread faster than it could be treated. Dave died September 26, 2004 at the age of 33, three weeks after the birth of his baby daughter, Ashlyn.

Dave grew up in Victoria, graduating from Stelly’s High School as Valedictorian. Dave was an avid athlete having completed five Ironman competitions, including Penticton, California, and Hawaii, as well as nine marathons. He also competed in a variety of shorter course and half Ironman races. In addition to his dedication to sport, Dave spent 14 years working in many key roles for Coast Capital Savings, completed programs at UVic, recently obtained his CGA designation in December 2003, and was a frequent volunteer and supporter in the community.

Dave believed his greatest accomplishment was being here for the birth of his first child, Ashlyn, on September 3, 2004 – just three weeks before he died. Dave had an insatiable curiosity and zest for life, a great sense of humor, and always lived life to the fullest. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
 

Melanoma Facts
This year, more than 3,900 Canadians are expected to be diagnosed with melanoma and approximately 840 people will die from it. Recently released cancer statistics show that since 1988, there has been a 41 per cent increase in the death rate for melanoma in men – that’s the highest rate of increase of all cancers. The death rate in women has climbed 23 per cent over the same period.

About 90 per cent of melanoma can be cured if caught early – remember the ABCD’s of detection:

• Asymmetry – one half of the mole is unlike the other half
• Border – irregular, scalloped or poorly circumscribed border
• Colour – varied from one area to another, shades of tan and brown; black, sometimes white, red or blue
• Diameter – larger diameter than the eraser on a pencil.

How can you help?
Dave’s friends and family are starting a foundation in Dave's name to raise money for Melanoma research. The foundation is called the Dave Smart Foundation for Melanoma Research and there have already been a number of initiatives underway to raise funds and awareness of Melanoma and to honor our friend Dave.

Dave loved colorful athletic socks. In fact, Dave always wanted to start his own line of funky athletic socks, which he dubbed 'stinky socks'. In Dave’s honor, we have created a line of athletic socks complete with the “Run Smart” logo and the slogan “Live Smart – Run Smart”. All proceeds will go to Dave’s foundation to raise money for Melanoma research.