The Tragically Hip takes to the stage Monday night for the first of two scheduled performances in Calgary.
The group announced the tour following a devastating brain tumor diagnosis for frontman Gord Downie.
His public battle is raising awareness for those suffering in silence – people like Sandra Kowalsky.
“My brain – I’ve always counted it as one of the best parts of me. To have it attacked… if I think about it too much… it’s horrifying,” Kowalsky said.
Facing a dark diagnosis, she’s grateful for the exposure her type of cancer is getting as well as the support to fund research. But she’s painfully aware that any breakthroughs in science will be too late for her.
“Oh yeah, I’m terrified of death,” Kowalsky said. She worries about her daughters, especially her youngest.
“I see a change in her now that she’s 12. She turns 13 later this year and she’s started into grow up. I’m starting to see the person she’ll be. I thought maybe I wouldn’t get to see. She’s an awesome kid. That’s the hardest part… is knowing that I’ll leave them.”
As lonely as it can feel, it’s remarkable how Downie’s journey has bonded strangers and united so many to rally support around this form of cancer.
“You sit there depressed and feel helpless, whether it’s your family member or your friend. When a cancer diagnosis comes through, especially with the word terminal attached to it, you get scared, to be honest,” Chris Jost said. He is the organizer of #courageforgord – a fan fundraiser raising money for brain research in Downie’s name.
“The Hip have a special place in my heart. Before my brother passed away, the last thing we ever did was see a Hip concert,” Jost said.
Cherished mementos collected over the past few decades being donated for the cause were auctioned off ahead of Monday’s concert to help with donations.
Monday’s concert starts at 8:30 p.m. There will be a second Hip concert at the Saddledome on Wednesday before the band heads to Winnipeg.
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