Local uses VON program
In 2009 Donavan Norris turned 75 and was enjoying a retiree lifestyle when he became very ill and underwent surgery to remove an infection in his liver.
During recovery the Mount Forest resident noticed that his right leg was swollen, which was a pulmonary embolism.
He received treatment and remained in the ICU for 10 days.
Shortly after discharge Norris began fainting and was admitted to the hospital with internal bleeding.
He received two blood transfusions and the doctors discovered that he had stage 3-colon cancer and N1 lymph nodes. He had a successful surgery removing his liver and colon and underwent chemotherapy at Louise Marshal Hospital.
In 2013 Norris was cancer free but he had developed osteoporosis.
He knew the best way to improve his physical abilities was to exercise so he took part in the VON SMART Gentle Exercise program.
He progressed from needing to use crutches and a chair for support to being able to complete the exercieses independently.
He continues to attend the VON SMART Exercise Program twice a week.
