To the Editor:
Upon reading The Gazette’s issue on Feb. 2, I came across Janice Koon’s letter complaining about the diversity of the models in the W-calendars.

My sympathy goes out for Janice and her roommate, as they feel that the calendar does not represent various races and diversity. I feel that the calendars are diverse because various races were represented in both male and female calendars. But as I continue to think about the diversity of the calendars, I can’t help but stop, think and realize the bigger picture.

These calendars are for charity, and it is not an opportunity for males and females to show off their bodies, nor is it an opportunity for them to have their 15 minutes of fame. I personally was not part of the deliberations, but as I know many of the models myself, I know firsthand that they tried out not to be a model of the month, but rather to volunteer their time for a growing concern: Non- Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is a terminal cancer of the blood system — more specifically, the immune system. It affects all ages, races, and sexes. It is a cancer that is growing rapidly and is now ranked fourth in America and fifth in Canada as leading cancers. The cancer virtually shuts down your immune system, and in many cases tumors attack the entire body. There is no cure for this type of cancer.

The W-Calendars are for research for Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. My mother, Barb Sheedy, who tells her story in the centerfold, suffers from this disease. She is currently in the middle of her chemotreatment and has lost her hair and 40 pounds. I know that many people have suffered worse challenges in their lifetime, but it is tough to watch your mother fight for her life everyday. She is currently taking a drug with her chemo called Rotuxin, a miracle drug that has a 50 per cent chance of putting Non- Hodgkin’s lymphoma patients in complete remission.

She took this drug, but instead of it working well, she had a full blown seizure and almost lost her life. She is currently continuing her chemo and my family and I want to thank all the models, the W-Calendar committee and Western for supporting the Non- Hodgkin’s lymphoma foundation. Remember the bigger reason for the WCalendars: it is not about an ethnic hierarchy or filling the models’ egos, but to support a worthy cause.

Dave Sheedy
Political Science & Social Justice and Peace III