In the beginning, his struggle with cancer was purely personal. But Rick Bujold decided to widen his battle, with the help of his union.
“My life changed totally on October 20. I was at the wheel of my work vehicle and, for the first time in my life, I was seized with convulsions. I lost consciousness, and my vehicle hit a tree and crashed into a lamp post. I was lucky not to be seriously injured, and more importantly, I didn’t hit anyone!” says Bujold, a City of Montreal employee and a member of CUPE 301.
After he was taken to hospital by ambulance, a scan revealed an enormous malignant tumour on the left side of his brain. He underwent two operations in a matter of days. Then he began 42 days of chemotherapy and 27 days of radiation, simultaneously.
Clearly, it was a difficult time.”My battle is not over. But my battle is also that of all the children, women and men struggling with cancer. I decided to take a positive stand, with the support of my fellow workers.”
Bujold learned that the Canadian Cancer Society was going to hold a march, the “Relay for Life”, overnight on June 8 in Maisonneuve Park. So he formed a team of Montreal blue collar workers and became its captain. His little team of eleven workers made placards and solicited donations. They walked in the “Relay for Life” and raised $6,595 for the Canadian Cancer Society.
“I wanted to do something positive. It’s amazing the support I got from my fellow Montreal blue collar workers, and my family as well. A big thank you to all the donors. I am truly grateful,” says Bujold.