'Really hit me hard': Former Riders CEO talks about cancer following death of Sask. MLA
Former Saskatchewan Roughriders president and CEO Jim Hopson said the news of Sask. MLA Derek Meyers’ death on Tuesday was something that hit him hard.
Meyers, who was 45, died following a battle with cancer.
In an interview with CTV Morning Live, Hopson said Meyers was someone he knew well.
“[The news] really hit me hard, I got to know Derek very well during my time with the Riders and we stayed friends, his mom and dad live a couple of doors from us,” Hopson said.
“I saw Derek not that long ago and I knew he was in a heck of a battle but he was a good guy and just 45-years-old, it’s just devastating,” Hopson said.
Cancer is a disease that Hopson and those close to him know all to well.
In April of 2021 Hopson was diagnosed with stage four colon cancer, something he said he hasn’t spoken much about.
“As I learned more about what was happening to me and what was happening with others I realized that colon cancer has really become a major killer of people,” Hopson said.
Hopson said he feels there is a stigma around colon cancer and not many people realize yet how common it is.
“If you start having issues make sure you get tested, especially if there’s a history in the family of the disease but even if not get checked get a colonoscopy that’s the best test.”
Hopson said some possible colon cancer symptoms people need to be aware of are diarrhea, constipation and an upset stomach.
“It sneaks up on you,” Hopson said. "The funny part was the day before my colonoscopy I was out cutting firewood at the lake and I felt great and when I woke up and I knew the doctor very well he was really devastated and he said. ‘Jim I have to tell you you’ve got stage four colon cancer’ and I thought ‘how could this happen’?” he said.
Hopson said he’s been very fortunate and is now two years into his battle after being told he had possibly a few months to live.
“The Allan Blair Cancer Clinic is phenomenal, I have not had a bad experience, I’ve had 37 chemo treatments, I’ve had two major surgeries and now I plan on being around for awhile.”
Hopson said if you think you have a problem, don’t be embarrassed and get yourself checked out.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.6970035.1721392588!/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.jpg)
Canadian flights, hospitals, border disrupted during global technology outage
A global technology outage grounded flights, disrupted hospitals and backed up border crossings in Canada on Friday, as issues persisted hours after problems with Microsoft services were said to be getting fixed.
LIVE UPDATES Here's the latest on Canadian impacts of the global IT outage
The latest developments on the Canadian impacts of the global technology outage that is causing massive disruptions to companies and services around the world.
BREAKING LCBO reaches tentative agreement to end strike, stores could reopen Tuesday
The LCBO has reached a tentative agreement with the union representing approximately 10,000 of its employees, paving the way for stores to reopen as early as Tuesday.
'Do not use homemade sunscreen,' Health Canada warns
Health Canada warned the public in an official statement Friday against homemade sunscreen after viral posts showed social media influencers creating recipes for SPF.
opinion Trump's assassination attempt not a political winner
Danger and fear are so pervasive throughout the national political ethos it is now the norm, writes Washington political columnist Eric Ham.
Saskatchewan Party nominee Meghan Mayer withdraws, apologizes for putting child in blackface
A former Saskatchewan Party nominee has apologized for putting a student in blackface.
Ontario woman says she was sold 'crumbling' house despite home inspection
As an Ontario woman put away her China dishes after Christmas Dinner in 2018, she noticed her cabinet doors refused to shut.
Cape Breton moose hunting suspended for 3 years due to 'significant' drop in population
Nova Scotia is suspending the licensed Cape Breton moose hunt for three years due to what the province is calling a “significant drop” in the population.
Canadian families will receive more in their next Canada Child Benefit payment. Here's why
Canadian families receiving Canada Child Benefit program payments can expect more cash in their cheques this Friday.