The Team Naners StoryTeam Naners was formed in February 2008 as a tribute to the life, character, and immense strength of Hernani “Naners” Soares – our brother, cousin, godson & friend who passed away on January 8, 2008 after suffering complications associated with the side-effects of cancer treatment.
The day before being admitted for treatment, Naners and many of us on Team Naners spent a special day together in Toronto. We had dinner and bellinis at Milestone’s and then attended a viewing of Shrek at a downtown theatre. We had the best time. It was a day that many of us hold in our hearts dearly. The next day, the doctors at Princess Margaret Hospital went to work immediately and treated Naners for his cancer.
In September 2001 Naners was diagnosed in remission and was cancer free. He remained in remission for a few months. During this time, Naners made plans for his bright future. As any young man of his age – he had the world at his feet. He made plans to apprentice as an electrician and continually sought out ways to be helpful and friendly to everyone.
Not too long after, in March 2002, the doctors became concerned and after conducting a few tests, we found out that Naners had relapsed and the cancer had morphed. But Naners “Never Gave In”.
We learned he was a candidate for a stem cell transplant and luckily - his big brother John was a perfect match. In June 2002 Naners received his brother’s stem cells. The transplant was a success. Naners’ body accepted the transplant and there were no longer any signs of cancer in his tests.
During his recovery, Naner’s suffered major side-effects of cancer treatment; in particular - Graft Versus Host Disease (GVHD), which is very common in transplant patients. Some GVHD can be acute and others chronic, which is what Hernani was faced with. Many of his organs became compromised, including his lungs, which eventually lead to him to requiring oxygen support. But Naners never allowed that to get his spirits down. Numerous times – Naners had “close calls” and set-backs. He spent a lot of time in hospitals – with his parents and family by his side. Small things – precious things – like foot and leg massages by his big sister, cards and drawings by his nieces and nephew, and comic relief by his brother are memories and reminders of love and support.
Regardless of whatever was thrown at him, Naners was a fighter and he clung to life with an iron grip.
In the years Naners was alive, he touchedcountless hearts, made friends and was known as a peacemaker. We know that Naners is no longer in pain and he doesn't feel the sickness he felt the last seven years. His death hurts and we miss him so much, every single day. But life has to go on. The sun rises every morning, regardless of whether or not it should.
In the days leading up to when he passed away, Naners had deep and meaning moments with each of us. Walking like a one-man army – with a heart wide open - one by one, hour by hour, Naners visited with family and friends to say what needed to be said. He passed away peacefully – with his family and godmother by his side. His energy and legacy of love lives on in us.
Naners was incredibly strong and at peace with his fate - He told us that he wanted us to go on with our lives and pledged that he would watch over us…. So here we are...
The Ride to Conquer Cancer presented itself at a time when we were grieving – when we were sad, angry and helpless. Team Naners is our solution – to healing and hope – by proactively and positively honouring Naners’ incredible life and spirit.
In his name we will help to conquer cancer in our lifetime and like him – we will “Never Give In”.
Team Naners is:
John Soares, Maria Casimiro, Isabel Pereira, Shannon Soares, Orlando Casimiro, Alcides Pereira, Kathleen Beagan, Dave Casimiro, Jorge Capucho, Edgar Capucho, Leanne Beagan, Lorna Capucho, Shelley Capucho, Shaileen Alves, Gina Capucho, Tony Fahy, Victor Fernandes, Ashley Wotten, Sandra Riberiro-Dantas
Naners was diagnosed with a form of cancer called Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (referred to as AML) in May 2001. He was sent to the Princess Margaret Hospital for assessment and a treatment strategy. That day our family learned what AML was, as well as what a long and tough journey it would be for Naners on the road to recovery. Our family was relentless in helping him in his fight; we researched, we had discussions with centers’ of influence; we never gave up hope, and always held a positive outlook, because of the determination we saw in Naners.
The day before being admitted for treatment, Naners and many of us on Team Naners spent a special day together in Toronto. We had dinner and bellinis at Milestone’s and then attended a viewing of Shrek at a downtown theatre. We had the best time. It was a day that many of us hold in our hearts dearly. The next day, the doctors at Princess Margaret Hospital went to work immediately and treated Naners for his cancer.
In September 2001 Naners was diagnosed in remission and was cancer free. He remained in remission for a few months. During this time, Naners made plans for his bright future. As any young man of his age – he had the world at his feet. He made plans to apprentice as an electrician and continually sought out ways to be helpful and friendly to everyone.
Not too long after, in March 2002, the doctors became concerned and after conducting a few tests, we found out that Naners had relapsed and the cancer had morphed. But Naners “Never Gave In”.
We learned he was a candidate for a stem cell transplant and luckily - his big brother John was a perfect match. In June 2002 Naners received his brother’s stem cells. The transplant was a success. Naners’ body accepted the transplant and there were no longer any signs of cancer in his tests.
During his recovery, Naner’s suffered major side-effects of cancer treatment; in particular - Graft Versus Host Disease (GVHD), which is very common in transplant patients. Some GVHD can be acute and others chronic, which is what Hernani was faced with. Many of his organs became compromised, including his lungs, which eventually lead to him to requiring oxygen support. But Naners never allowed that to get his spirits down. Numerous times – Naners had “close calls” and set-backs. He spent a lot of time in hospitals – with his parents and family by his side. Small things – precious things – like foot and leg massages by his big sister, cards and drawings by his nieces and nephew, and comic relief by his brother are memories and reminders of love and support.
Regardless of whatever was thrown at him, Naners was a fighter and he clung to life with an iron grip.
In the years Naners was alive, he touchedcountless hearts, made friends and was known as a peacemaker. We know that Naners is no longer in pain and he doesn't feel the sickness he felt the last seven years. His death hurts and we miss him so much, every single day. But life has to go on. The sun rises every morning, regardless of whether or not it should.
In the days leading up to when he passed away, Naners had deep and meaning moments with each of us. Walking like a one-man army – with a heart wide open - one by one, hour by hour, Naners visited with family and friends to say what needed to be said. He passed away peacefully – with his family and godmother by his side. His energy and legacy of love lives on in us.
Naners was incredibly strong and at peace with his fate - He told us that he wanted us to go on with our lives and pledged that he would watch over us…. So here we are...
The Ride to Conquer Cancer presented itself at a time when we were grieving – when we were sad, angry and helpless. Team Naners is our solution – to healing and hope – by proactively and positively honouring Naners’ incredible life and spirit.
In his name we will help to conquer cancer in our lifetime and like him – we will “Never Give In”.
Team Naners is:
John Soares, Maria Casimiro, Isabel Pereira, Shannon Soares, Orlando Casimiro, Alcides Pereira, Kathleen Beagan, Dave Casimiro, Jorge Capucho, Edgar Capucho, Leanne Beagan, Lorna Capucho, Shelley Capucho, Shaileen Alves, Gina Capucho, Tony Fahy, Victor Fernandes, Ashley Wotten, Sandra Riberiro-Dantas
2 comments:
John, I think this just might work.
Hello,
I was at the ride to conquer cancer today to watch my dad and was snapping photos of people crossing the finish line. I have a great photo of two of your team members crossing the finish line and was just wondering if you were interested in obtaining it. If you were, please email me at sarahspencemoore@gmail.com and I would be happy to send it!
Sarah
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