Yvonne Jones, a member of parliament from the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador, made headlines recently after receiving a standing ovation from her colleagues at the House of Commons. What makes her story so extraordinary is that she is currently undergoing treatments for cancer, which has affected her energy levels and ability to attend parliamentary sessions. In this article, we will explore Jones’ inspiring journey and how the overwhelming response from her peers has energized her in these challenging times.
Labrador MP Yvonne Jones was honoured with flowers and a standing ovation from the crowd during the opening ceremony of the Labrador Winter Games amid her battle with breast cancer. Jones said it was “overwhelming and energizing” to see the support from the athletes, volunteers, and spectators. She was diagnosed with breast cancer for the second time in October 2022 and is currently undergoing chemotherapy in St. John’s.
Jones had beaten breast cancer 12 years ago, but it returned. In November, the MP stepped back to focus on her health. Although she cannot stay for the entire game, Jones feels stronger having been in Labrador for a few days. “I’m going to be heading back to St. John’s to continue with my medical treatments … and I really appreciate the energy and the support and the prayers that the people of Labrador and the people of Newfoundland have given me,” she said.
The Labrathon, one of Jones’ favourite events, is scheduled for March 18 on Terrington Basin. The athletes will complete a variety of traditional tasks such as snowshoeing, drilling a hole in the ice, and starting a fire. Forty years after attending her first Labrador Winter Games as an athlete, Jones still longs for the community interaction that she experienced as a 14-year-old from the village of Mary’s Harbour.
Heidi Atter, the mobile journalist, has covered the story for CBC Newfoundland and Labrador. She writes that Jones said the support she receives from Labrador and Newfoundland will help her beat cancer, and for that, she is forever grateful. Sheshatshiu Chief Eugene Hart praised MP Yvonne Jones for attending the opening ceremonies of the Labrador Winter Games and handed her a bouquet of flowers.
In the face of adversity, we often discover our inner strength and resilience. For MP Yvonne Jones, receiving a standing ovation amid her cancer treatment was a powerful reminder of the support and love that surrounds her. It’s inspiring to witness how a simple gesture of standing up and clapping can uplift someone’s spirit and empower them to fight even harder. As we navigate through our own challenges and struggles, let’s take a moment to remember the incredible impact we can make when we show up for each other. Let’s keep cheering each other on and never underestimate the power of a standing ovation.
