Rural and Remote Health Minister Greg Ottenbreit has been diagnosed with colorectal cancer according to a Saskatchewan Party news release.
Indications are that the cancer was found at an early enough stage that he believes his prognosis is good.
“It’s a reminder, even with my fairly physically active and healthy lifestyle, that this can happen to anyone and that screening and early detection can greatly improve your treatment options and outcomes,” Ottenbreit said in the news release. “In retrospect, with my symptoms, I could have pursued diagnosis sooner, but am very glad I investigated when I did.”
Such news is never good, and when it happens to a sitting member of the Legislature who has served his constituency tirelessly for a number of years, it is news keenly felt across the community. Not all will agree with Ottenbreit’s political vision, but it would be folly to think he has not worked diligently on behalf of Yorkton and area.
It is of course widely known here in Yorkton that in 1998, Ottenbreit’s son Brayden was diagnosed with cancer shortly before his fourth birthday. In 2000, when Brayden was five, he passed away.
To lose a young son is a blow to any family, but Greg, his wife Leone and family bravely chose to build something positive out of their personal loss.
Since 1998 Ottenbreit and his family have hosted Brayden Ottenbreit Close Cuts for Cancer. The fundraiser began by challenging people to raise money for childhood cancer research and then cut off their hair, although the fundraiser has grown to be a more diverse and vibrant event which has rallied the community to a cause so many can relate too.
“When our son was diagnosed in 1998, my family relied on our faith, and although Brayden’s outcome wasn’t what we prayed for, God carried and strengthened us. I know He will again. My wife said back then that we could ‘choose to be bitter, or choose to be better – it’s the choice of one vowel.’ We will again strive for better. With my family at my side, I will beat this and have good come from it,” Ottenbreit said in the release.
The Yorkton MLA will be undergoing extensive treatment over the next few months and while he faces that challenge he is not alone. The community is behind his fight and his recovery, as it should be for all facing such challenges.
In this case though, we pause just a little more to offer support given Ottenbreit’s efforts through the long running fundraiser, and his efforts as our MLA.
