Steve Coleman's Profile
Born: November 9th 1984, Ajax Ontario
University:Bachelor of Commerce, specializing in marketing from Telfer School of Management, University of Ottawa
Interests: Hockey, Fishing, Water Skiing, Pond Hockey, Biking, Golf, Horseshoes, and Cottage Country
Aspirations: To strive to achieve a high standard of dedication toward the success of the Typically Canadian Group and in all aspects of my life.
Story: After discussing the idea of Typically Canadian, two very special individuals immediately came to mind. The first being the strongest woman I have ever met, who experienced WWII and raised eight children through some very difficult times. All of the adversities that she faced and the manner in which she overcame them, have become life lessons for all her family and friends.
This lady was Mary Vander Zalm, my Oma. When she was 47 she was diagnosed with breast cancer. After radiation for 3 years, she fought the cancer, while continuing to be an exemplary mother and grandmother. With her husband of 50 years, she operated a housekeeping cottage operation even though, unknown to those around her, she was battling a new cancer. Unfortunately, this cancer was terminal and in November of 2000 she passed away. Her determination and laughter will be forever in our hearts.
The second individual who will inspire me throughout my ride is John Coleman, my Granddad. Around the same time that my Oma was battling cancer, my Granddad, from my father’s side of my family, was also battling cancer. Like my Oma, he had been diagnosed with cancer at a younger age and it seemed that he had overcome the disease. However, he lost his personal battle to Parkinson’s which is thought by some to be triggered by cancer treatments. Throughout his fight, Granddad demonstrated great will power and perserverance. On several occasions the doctors told our family that it would be his last night, months later we would hear the same thing. We felt lucky to have spent every extra day with him that he gave us. Together, my Oma and Granddad showed me the power of body and soul and I will take their lessons with me in every day life and most certainly on my Typically Canadian ride for cancer. Cancer is a disease that has affected the lives of several other family members.
The following people will always be remembered and are an added inspiration to our cause:
Oma Scholtes: Mary Vander Zalm’s mother died of throat cancer in 1947. She did not receive any treatment as there was none available.
Oma Vanderzalm: John Vander Zalm’s mother, died of intestinal cancer in 1988.
Uncle John (Oom Han): Died of lung cancer in Holland, Dec 1998
Aunt Cor (Tante Cor): Died of stomach cancer in Holland, April 1998
Uncle Ted: Died of lung cancer in Canada, April 1998
Aunt Cathy: Breast cancer in 2001. A survivor, she is now working at a nursery in Guelph, Ontario.
My family has been affected by so many tragic accounts of this disease.
Who am I riding with? I ride with all of them…WHO ARE YOU RIDING WITH?
