ALDERMAN ‘BLOWN AWAY’ BY SPORTS HONOUR FOR COURAGE
Ex-Spitfires assistant recognized as fighter for battle with brain cancer
Rob Alderman brought along a friend to help him with his speech at Tuesday’s 12th annual Windsor/Essex Sports Persons of the Year (WESPY) Awards at the Caboto Club.
The former Windsor Spitfires assistant coach and longtime Ontario Hockey League scout accepted the courage and determination award with former Spitfires’ captain Craig Mahon at his side because he wasn’t sure emotions would not get the better of him.
“I appreciate it and I’m blown away by it,” the 48-year-old Alderman said. “I just want to say thank you.”
On Christmas Day, Alderman thought he had a stroke, but was later cleared of that. However, headaches continued and on Jan. 20, he was diagnosed with a glioblastoma brain tumour. Five days later, he had surgery in Windsor to remove it.
“I thought they did a good job with the tumour extraction,” Alderman said.
But a glioblastoma tumour is not something that can be eradicated with surgery alone.
“In the brain, there are so many cells and it wants to grow back,” Alderman said.
He started a clinical trial in London on Friday that will last six weeks, then continue a month on and a month off for two years with chemotherapy.
“It is what it is,” said Alderman, who underwent treatment on Tuesday in London before returning to Windsor for the WESPY Awards. “I’m very fortunate to get in the trial and we had real good doctors in Windsor that did a good job. My energy is in this fight going forward. They’re very hopeful for this trial. It’s had good success already.”
It’s a long road, but one Alderman is ready to take along with any of the challenges that might come with it.
“I don’t want anyone to feel sorry for me,” said Alderman, who lives in St. Clair Beach. “If this thing wants a fight, I’ll give it a fight. If I have to fight and fight and fight, I’ll fight forever.”
WESPY founder Dominic Papa said Alderman’s attitude epitomizes the award.
“Our honour is to give these awards out and to give it to Rob is one of the biggest honours ever,” Papa said. “Considering what he’s going through now and the courage he’s showing is an example of the award.
“Rob’s always been a fighter and a leader and he epitomizes the award.”
Alderman, who has scouted for the OHL’s Erie Otters the last 18 years, was one of 12 major award winners at Tuesday’s event.
Brett Lumley, who guided the University of Windsor Lancers men’s track and field team to a national title, was named coach of the year.
Krystin Lawrence, a two-sport threat for the Lancers in hockey and soccer, was named female athlete of the year, while triathlete Lionel Sanders was named male athlete of the year.
Dan DeMarco, who runs the Jamieson Junior Golf Tour, was the choice as executive of the year.
Windsor Clippers captain Logan Holmes took the Mickey Renaud Captain’s Award, while the Herman Green Griffins football team won team of the year after another OFSAA Bowl championship.
Kathy Guenette was named the female volunteer of the year and Tim Hamilton was selected as male volunteer of the years.
Paul Carter won the sports community service award, while Joan Jakubo won the female legacy award and Leo Paul ‘Punky’ Bracken the male legacy award.
Considering what he’s going through now and the courage he’s showing is an example of the award.