Trevor Harris made an unforgettable road trip on Wednesday.
The Saskatchewan Roughriders’ quarterback travelled to Saskatoon to attend a Cameco Touchdown for Dreams function and visit with women who are facing a life-threatening cancer diagnosis.
“It was really touching to hear people’s stories and listen to their experiences,” Harris said. “They’re all inspiring people.”
Many of them will be at Mosaic Stadium on Saturday, when the Toronto Argonauts visit the Roughriders (2 p.m., Mosaic Stadium) for the annual Touchdown for Dreams game.
Since 2011, the Roughriders have partnered with Cameco and the Cancer Foundation of Saskatchewan to make dreams a reality for women who are fighting cancer. On average, seven or eight wishes are granted each year.
To support the initiative, fans can purchase a Cameco Touchdown for Dreams pink blanket for $20 from the Rider Store or by visiting https://www.theriderstore.ca/products/cameco-riders-touchdown-for-dreams-blanket.
The cause has a personal connection for Harris because his mother survived Stage 3 breast cancer.
“Everybody’s story is very unique, but you can have an idea of what they went through,” the 37-year-old son of Tom and Suzanne Harris said.
“I was talking to the people on Wednesday and to my mom (the next morning) and it doesn’t matter how far away the cancer victory was. My mom beat cancer 13 years ago and it still doesn’t feel like it was that far away.
“I have always called my mom every morning, my whole life. She was going through her cancer situation where she wasn’t sure how long she had left to live and she’s clear now.”
Harris also breathed a sigh of relief when his mom and dad survived a serious motorcycle accident in 2012.
“With my parents having been life-flighted and almost having their lives taken from them, when you get something almost taken from you like that, you understand what it means to you,” the Roughriders’ signal-caller said.
“Getting an opportunity to call my mom every morning, someday I might not have that opportunity, so I always try to take advantage of every day.
“I always tell my mom, ‘Even if you can’t answer, it’s OK. As long as you see my name on your phone, just remember that I love you.’ ”
Harris also had a powerful message for the “uplifting” women he met in Saskatoon.
“Like I shared with them, ‘I feel like you’ve been able to win this battle with medicine, but how involved was your spirit in the victory?’ ” he said.
“With all of them, there was a resounding, ‘You have no idea.’
“The spirit to fight, and the joy and enthusiasm as you’re going through things, it’s a mindset, and they talked about how it’s so beneficial for them.”
Those stories have left a lasting impression.
“A lot of the people who went on-stage and talked had such jovial spirits,” marvelled Harris, who is recovering from a serious knee injury he suffered in mid-July. “It was just a reminder that no matter what you’re going through, you can always fight with enthusiasm and joy.
“I’m going through an injury right now and it’s nothing compared to what they go through, so I can still fight with joy and enthusiasm.
“They’re fighting for their lives. I’m just fighting to come back and play football. That gives you a lot of perspective.”
