Just
a few words from Calgary, Canada…
I seriously considered the gracious
invitation from Izak many months back but my schedule
just doesn’t permit this time around. Thanks so much for the few messages
already scattered on the blogspot – gave me goosebumps to read Leslie Green’s MVA (motor vehicle
accident) story and how his life changed in one moment!
I am incredibly fortunate to have a great
family, live in a great country, and to be able to contribute in a profession
that has allowed me to thrive. Bruce Bailey and I started our medical careers
back in 1973 as first year students at UCT, where we graduated in 1978. Having
married a PE girl at graduation we spent a few years in PE, but I returned to
UCT where I completed my training as a cancer specialist in 1986. After three
years in PE as a specialist my family and I moved to Canada in 1990, where we
have been ever since.
I have been in medical leadership roles
since 1997 and became the overall director of our cancer centre in 2007. I also
am the academic head of our university Oncology department. I really enjoy my
job as the director and academic chair, mainly because I have a niche in
developing emerging leaders (sounds like Izak and I
share a similar passion). My role as academic head has been helped by the
excellent skills I acquired in my training in Cape Town. I have published well
over 50 manuscripts in international journals, and my own particular research
interests lie in the treatment of women with cervix cancer. Our academic unit
attracts about 40 million dollars in grant funding, and publishes about 180
manuscripts annually.
I have two children, one 28 and the other
25 years old. My son Neil is an emerging opera singer, who has an amazing bass
– baritone voice. He is currently completing his 3rd year as a
singer with the Canadian Opera Company in Toronto. Jessica, my 25 year old
daughter is completing studies in Anthropology, and hopes to graduate this
June. My wife has worked part time most
of our marriage and is a speech language pathologist. She has ended up doing
augmentative communication most of her time, using computer based technology to
help disabled kids communicate in some way. (ala
Stephen Hawking). I am blessed with a
great marriage, and amazing kids.
Alas, I still miss
South Africa! Despite the opportunities for growth that I have experienced; the
personal wealth that we have been able to accumulate to look after ourselves in
old age; and a job that allows me to contribute to a broad goal of curing
cancer, I miss the people of our country. We have visited frequently,
especially during the illnesses of our now deceased parents; but when we leave
it is usually with a heavy heart. Canada has become home for us, and our kids
are Canadians through and through! I’ll be there in spirit in two weeks, when
you discuss the good days and remember those who aren’t with us. I considered
Bruce Bailey and Andre Koetser to both be friends and
miss them both. I miss especially Andre, with whom I communicated until he
passed on. I want to especially remember Izak for his
friendship during those tough years at Graeme. It is fully my fault that I
haven’t kept up correspondence with him since then. I remember rushing down to Birch’s with him on
the day I was honoured with colours for “Lifesaving”, and given an honours cap
to boot. Probably the only time an honours cap will be given for “Lifesaving”,
all because I chose to plunge into the waters at Kenton and bring back to the
beach 4 younger students who were struggling out there! Both Izak and I were excited on that day that
those of us who were more attuned to academics were somehow being recognized
for the contributions we made to the school. As I finish I want to thank all of
you for what you meant to me between 1968 and 1972, and the pivotal role the
school played in forming me to be the person I am now.
Peter Craighead
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