Mr. Nick Laping (1942-2009)It was early February I was informed that a familiar face in the corridors of my high school, Nick Laping had been diagnosed with acute leukemia (this form of cancer affects the white blood cells as well as other organs).
I was fortunate to meet Nick late in my grade twelve year. I remember my introduction to him, it felt as we had known each other for years. His friendly smile and openness to make you feel important is something I will never forget. I only hope I can transfer this to my own life.
I remember I was in Nick's son (Jeff Laping a teacher at St. Paul's) English class, and I had racked up the courage to speak of my fathers diagnoses in front of the entire class. I finished my speech with "After seeing my father go through this disease, I know that my father is one of the toughest dads out there". Jeff responded with my Father (Nick) is tougher than yours.
I know for a fact that Nick was a tough man, it was directly shown through his passion when it came to raising funds for St. Paul's High School through the Phone-A-Thon to allow others who may not be able to attend St. Paul's due to financial reasons to have the same experience he had while he was a student at St. Paul's. He showed his passion when it came to basketball, whether it be March Madness, a Pipers game, or Crusader game Nick was always there in full spirit supporting the students playing on the team. Most importantly Nick showed passion for life, and his family.
Nick unfortunately passed away February 26, 2009. One thing I know is that Nick had the ability to leave a positive impact on everyone he met, no matter how much time he had spent with them. There is only one quote that comes to mind when thinking of the brief time that I had to get to know Nick "No love, no friendship, can cross the path of our destiny without leaving some mark on it forever" (Francois Mauriac)
I've known from the beginning of this ride that I would never be riding alone, this just adds to that statement. I know that Nick will help push the pedals across Canada, bring courage to Canadians to band together in finding a cure to Cancer, and to support those who are/have been effected by this disease like himself and his family. I know Nick has already set out the proper people to watch over his family, and he will in turn be watching over them.
I ask everyone to continue to spread the word of Chase the Cure, so we can work to end this terrible disease that takes the lives of so many we love. I ask everyone to spread the word of Chase the Cure so we can support those who are going through difficult times with cancer. As Canadians we have tremendous power and ability to accomplish whatever we want.
Together We Ride....... along with Nick and the Laping family
