Survivor Norman Landry served as founding chairman of Atlantic Cancer Research Institute

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By Linda Hersey
For the Times & Transcript

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Editor's Note: The Atlantic Cancer Research Institute is celebrating its 10th anniversary under the theme of One Life at a Time. Research is the most powerful ally in the fight against cancer finding elements of solution every day, contributing to saving lives everyday. Over the next five weeks, the Times & Transcript will be publishing the stories of 10 people, people whose lives have been touched by cancer. It will also profile people who have dedicated a good portion of their lives to the cause, such as researchers, oncologists, volunteers and donors. Today's story is the first in that series.

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Norman Landry

"I knew this doctor very well, and he told me . . . 'Norm you have cancer.' I said 'whoa!' I said 'not too good news coming from you today, but the good news is I didn't have any last year'. He said 'that's right'."

Norm (Norman) Landry of Moncton will never forget that day in 2001 when he heard those terrible words, but now, almost eight years later, he's cancer free and loving life.

The entire experience was positive in that it forced him to reflect on his life. He realized if he didn't survive, it had been "pretty darned good."

"But at the end of that I thought, well, there's no hurry! It doesn't have to be now -- and that was eight years ago."

Now retired from National Bank Financial, where he formerly served as branch manager, there was a very important sequence of events that contributed to Norm's successful outcome.

Because of his family history, (his dad Raymond succumbed to prostate cancer), he was being closely watched. In addition to blood work, he had annual check-ups and biopsies (which eventually revealed cancer) on an earlier-detected nodule. It was a digital exam that raised the red flag initially. On May 4, 2001 he underwent surgery to remove his prostate, and was spared any further treatments.

He stresses that early detection is critical, and has valuable advice for those reluctant to be checked (both blood test and digital exam).

"You're only kidding yourself," says Norm. "Early detection is the key here for any type of cancer. Yes you may be afraid, but the alternative . . . You need to be followed closely, especially so if there's family history -- and even if there isn't."

He's also grateful for the support of his entire family during this difficult time, including his wife Yvonne, daughter Nicole and son Greg -- and the impending birth of his first grandchild also kept him strong. Norm stayed positive throughout, and was eventually asked to help buoy the spirits of others going through their own cancer struggle.

Also in his corner were friends, colleagues, and fellow board members and staff of the Atlantic Cancer Research Institute (ACRI). Norm was the founding chairman of the board, and served in that capacity for several years.

There was definitely an air of excitement when the ACRI became a reality, and now 10 years later, he's thrilled that they're celebrating this milestone anniversary. Groundbreaking research continues, and the community can contribute to tthe Atlantic Cancer Research Institute's critically important work by supporting fundraisers and related activities.

"I think that the Atlantic area of this country deserves its own research institute, and I would certainly urge all people (to support it). It's located in Moncton, but the Institute works with collaborators and partners far beyond its borders making it a great asset for the Atlantic region as a whole.

"They're doing the research and finding new ways of treating cancer (at the Institute) -- more targeted and less invasive ways. And of course the ultimate objective," says Norm, "is to eventually eradicate cancer."