PETERS VOWS TO KEEP GIVING
Cancer volunteer going strong at 100
Most people slow down by the time they turn 100, but not Tony Peters.
In fact, he spent his 100th birthday Friday doing what he always does: volunteering at the Windsor Regional Cancer Centre. And the hospital’s most senior volunteer said he “enjoyed every minute of it.”
Peters, who has showed up every day for the past 12 years to help cancer patients at Windsor Regional’s Metropolitan Campus, was celebrated at the program’s Christmas luncheon with cake, laughter and a letter from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
“It is so important that I help patients who think they’re going to die and give them hope,” said Peters, who started volunteering as a relative youngster, when he was 88 years old.
When he began, Peters was only scheduled to volunteer two days a week. That did not last long. In no time, he was showing up daily. He now plans to continue until he’s 105.
“Tony Peters is the heart of our cancer program,” program head Monica Staley said in an emotional speech.
“A great portion of his incredible life he’s spent here serving. I don’t know a more honourable way to live your life but in service when you don’t have to.”
Peters was awarded the Ontario Cancer Care Human Touch Award in 2011 for his commitment to patients.
“You know my secret? I have no secret,” said Peter’s daughter, Marlene Kolody, in a speech she read on behalf of her father. “The only thing I have is determination. No matter what the weather, or how much pain I’m in, I’m determined to volunteer every day to help cancer patients by encouraging them.”
The Windsor Spitfires gave Peters, an avid hockey fan, a custom jersey with the number 100 on the back.
“Today we celebrate you and your part in Windsor’s history,” Mayor Drew Dilkens said in a tribute letter.
“As a city of Windsor centenarian, you have witnessed change and progress. You are a living link to our history and important part of who we are today.”
Peters also received tributes from Ontario Premier Doug Ford on behalf of the Government of Ontario and Cancer Care Ontario president and CEO Michael Sherar, as well as a shout-out from David Musyj, president and CEO of Windsor Regional.
Peters said he planned to report back to duty Saturday morning to spend the first day of his next century helping cancer patients.