Former Senators star Wade Redden reunited with a CHEO cancer patient he inspired 25 years ago
At the Ottawa Senators first pre-season home game against the Montreal Canadiens Saturday night, a special reunion was taking place between a former Senators star and a CHEO cancer patient.
It's been 25 years since Wade Redden opened his suite for kids, at what was then the Corel Centre, now the Canadian Tire Centre.
The box hosting hundreds of patients from CHEO over the years, with Julian van Popta one of the first.
His journey with cancer was difficult; facing death repeatedly. CHEO was his home away from home, and Wade Redden, through visits, spending time with the then 13-year-old bringing a little light into some dark days.
Julian says the example Redden set all those years ago, inspiring him to give back ever since.
"I think this will be pretty cool to come back and say hi, just thank him for everything that he has done and the significant influence, making that journey just a little bit easier," Julian said. "I’ve bumped into him at a few events that the Senators did for CHEO and every time we saw each other we are like, 'Hey yeah, we know each other.'"
A book Julian’s father John wrote, which was published this year, sparked the reunion. It is based on the journals he kept throughout Julian’s four-year battle with cancer.
The book titled, "Only when it’s dark can we see the stars” is a reminder of life’s struggles with a message of hope.
“It’s a four-and-a-half-year long journal about the highs and lows and the emotional and spiritual battle that Julian and our family fought," John said. "It’s incredible; I never thought this day would happen. I want to thank him for his interest in a 13-year-old boy; he made an remarkable impression on Julian that has lasted 25 years."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
Prince William and wife Kate thank public for birthday messages for son Louis
Prince William and his wife Kate thanked the public for their messages which had been sent to mark the sixth birthday of their youngest son Louis on Tuesday.
She was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father. Then life dealt her a blow
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
RCMP uncovers plot to sell drones and equipment to Libya
The RCMP says it has uncovered a ploy to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
'Catch-and-kill' strategy to be a focus as testimony resumes in Trump hush money case
A veteran tabloid publisher was expected to return to the witness stand Tuesday in Donald Trump's historic hush money trial.
Quebec farmers have been protesting since December. Is anyone listening?
Upset about high interest rates, growing paperwork and heavy regulatory burdens, protesting farmers have become a familiar sight across Quebec since December.