Beloved friend remembered through fundraiser to battle sarcoma

He was only 15 years old when his doctor delivered the devastating news. The late Olivier Vourantonis had been diagnosed with sarcoma, a rare and very aggressive form of cancer which would soon spread from his knee to his lungs. “He was given six months to live,” said Bob Nathan, who had coached the gifted young athlete in both hockey and baseball. “He was friends with my son; they played double A hockey together. In mid-season Olivier had been having trouble with his knees, went to the doctor, and was told they had found a tumour,” the Dollard des Ormeaux resident recalled. Despite the grim prognosis, Vourantonis lived another 13 years. His was “an incredible battle. The most remarkable thing was his courage,” Nathan said. Vourantonis repeatedly underwent chemotherapy, had a bone marrow transplant, and was in and out of remission. Eventually his leg was amputated. Despite what would be an insurmountable challenge, Vourantonis went on to earn a degree in physiotherapy from McGill University. But he practiced his profession for only three days before the news came that he would lose his long and valiant struggle. Vourantonis passed away in Dec. 2008 at the age of 29. “He touched a lot of people,” said Nathan, who is spearheading a major benefit for the Sarcoma Foundation at the Montreal General Hospital – the only one of its kinds in Canada – in memory of Vourantonis. The Texas Hold ‘em Poker Tournament will be held Oct. 17 at the Cote St. Luc Recreation Centre. Over $20,000 in prizes will be awarded, including a trip, TV, laptop, memorabilia, and restaurant certificates. “The aim is to raise money for sarcoma research and awareness of the disease,” Nathan said. The evening gets underway with dinner at 6 p.m.; the tournament will be held from 7 until midnight. Tickets are $150 in advance, or $200 at the door. The centre is located at 7500 Mackle Rd.

To purchase tickets or for more information, call 514-624-0601. To register directly visit www.mghfoundation.com/en/donation/.