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Science & Technology

Biology symposium investigates modes of language learning

by Bryana-Alexa Liberta on

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How language plays a role in the evolution of human societies remains a fascinating question for language researchers, given the diversity of language learning techniques and abilities. Some McGill researchers, however, are one step closer to finding the answer. On Nov. 15, a symposium on the “Cultural Evolution of Communication” discussed how society plays a role in the formation and learning of language and, conversely, how language plays a role in constructing societies. The event, hosted by Jon Sakata, a professor in McGill’s Department of Biology, presented the research of Pauline Palma, a PhD candidate in experimental psychology, and Logan James, a McGill alumnus who completed a PhD in 2019 with the Department of Biology. 

Pauline Palma: How bilingualism affects the progression of language 

Many have wondered what the advantages of being bilingual are and how bilingual societies differ from monolingual ones at the cognitive level. In her latest research, Palma addressed this question, looking specifically into whether prior linguistic knowledge in individuals can affect language evolution.

In order to test for the ability to learn a language, Palma recruited young adults who identified English as their first language and French as their second. In a training phase, she used two types of word sets as stimuli—a “French-like” word set containing made-up words resembling French words, and an “English-like’ word set containing made-up words resembling English words. 

Each set contained 12 words. However, during the training phase,  Palma only presented nine words to participants, who were then shown all 12 words at the test phase. This technique measured if the participants were able to use what they had learned in the training phase and apply it in the test phase—in other words, the researchers wanted to test whether the bilingual participants were able to learn this “new” language, and whether this had implications for the way they learn language compared to monolingual speakers. 

Palma’s results showed that the learnability of one’s native language, whether that be English or French, increased over time. As well, the structure of a language increases for the English-like languages when learned first, whereas the French-like languages developed structure in both conditions. Palma explained that her results demonstrate a phenomenon in bilinguals called an asymmetric switch cost. 

“An asymmetric switch cost is when switching to your dominant language becomes more difficult because of intuition, which was seen at the societal level,” Palma said. 

Moving forward, Palma hopes to explore whether these results are reproducible and whether individuals’ differences in their modes of language acquisition can alter these results. 

Logan James: The biology of birdsongs

James, who is currently conducting field work in Panama, presented his research on the biology behind the formation of birdsong. In his studies, James used zebra finches as a model to test how environmental factors can have an impact on the sequencing and timing of their songs, and whether or not there are biological biases behind certain song patterns. 

 “So the question we have is, how do [zebra finches] select which pattern to produce and what timing to produce?” James said. “In general, they’re going to be learning this from their fathers.” 

One experiment that he performed was playing back a random birdsong sequence during song learning and observing its impact on zebra finch song production later on. The results showed that even with a randomized input, the birds produce a song that was similar to the formal birdsong of the zebra finch due to certain biological biases. James compares this to how humans process sound.

“There is a similar [process taking place] in humans, where we as humans use these internal filters to produce particular sequences and timings,” James said. 

Commentary, Opinion

Physical books are worth their cost

by Courtney Squires on

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The holiday season is approaching, and as many people start the scramble to find gifts for loved ones, friends, or coworkers, a harsh discovery awaits them. Tried and true, books have remained one of the best gifts to give on any occasion, the perfect balance between thoughtful and casual. However, the tumultuous pandemic economy has caused paper, ink, and printing presses to be in high demand, leading to an increase in book prices. The days when a hardcover novel did not cost an arm and a leg are long over, with the average adult fiction book priced at around $34.00 CAD. The rising price of books is just one of the negative effects of current inflation trends threatening the extinction of libraries and smaller book businesses. Everyone must do their part by buying books from local bookstores, and remembering to plan ahead to avoid resorting to large corporate sellers like Amazon. 

Though the pandemic has led to a recent spike in demand for books, it is getting progressively more expensive to produce them. The price of wood pulp rose approximately 71 per cent this year after an environmental initiative in China led to the shutdown of many pulp and paper mills. The large price change has made book prices skyrocket and production timelines slow. Further, the supply chain has taken a hit due to the pandemic, and lengthy shipping delays are predicted for this upcoming holiday season. This seeming book shortage will certainly put a hamper on many people’s plans to shop last minute, as there will be fewer books stocked on the shelves, and delayed projected delivery times—some stretching well into the new year. 

With the many roadblocks to obtaining physical copies of books this year, the growing market for online literature like e-books, Kindles, Kobos has skyrocketed. Online literature tends to be cheaper—no manufacturing, distribution or shipping costs—so with book prices increasing this year, more cost-conscious consumers might pursue those options in lieu of purchasing a physical copy. Also more environmentally friendly, investing in a Kindle or another digital library, saves paper. While there are benefits to making the switch to online, physical books are still overall the better choice. 

McGill, too, has hopped on this online literature bandwagon. Many English courses have started to offer their texts in PDF form, selecting readings available from online resource platforms or offering online course packs so students do not have to purchase an entire short story collection. McGill courses in general have also adapted to online life: The majority of assignments can be submitted online, reducing the need for physical copies of papers—and even some exams are now delivered online. Though, with the hybrid learning scheme, many students find themselves struggling to adapt to fully remote learning. If physical copies of textbooks and novels are slowly phased out, it is almost certain that students’ productivity will suffer, with  reading on paper being important for neurological comprehension. Reducing screen time by doing readings and note-taking offline helps both concentration and retention, and reduces eye strain.

This phenomenon also has consequences for libraries. They, too, risk being rendered useless. This is especially dismaying, as libraries are one of the only public places people can visit without having to pay. Small businesses are also affected, with non-chain bookstores relying heavily on an in-person customer base. While larger names like Indigo and Barnes & Noble may be able to stay afloat in this transitioning market, smaller names like Montreal’s S.W. Welch Bookseller might not. 

However, it would be unlikely that such a change in the literary market would happen before it could be prevented. Yet, to keep the magical world of printed literature alive, everyone must do their part: Keep buying books—especially from small businesses—and get any holiday shopping done sooner rather than later to ensure there are no empty presents under the tree. 

McGill, News

Sustainability initiative ‘impact200’ project winners to be announced next month

by Sabrina Nelson on

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Launched in August 2020 as part of McGill’s bicentennial celebrations, impact200 is a challenge that invites teams of students to submit proposals for projects to enhance sustainability on campus, in Montreal, and around the world. The challenge was organized by the Bicentennial Office in collaboration with the McGill Dobson Centre for Entrepreneurship, the McGill Office of Sustainability (MOOS), the McGill Sustainability Systems Initiative (MSSI), and representatives of the Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. On Dec. 2, the winners of the challenge will be announced, with prizes ranging from $2,000 to $10,000. Once completed, the finalist teams will be offered the opportunity to refine their project through a training program provided by the Dobson Centre and to ultimately bring it into action if it places in the top three spots.

Each project aims to address one or more of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, such as food security, eradication of poverty, and climate action. From the 44 initial proposals, 10 finalists were selected to develop the feasibility of their concept over the summer and then deliver a final presentation of their project in November. The university’s flagship Sustainability Projects Fund (SPF) gave each finalist $5,000 to cover the project’s development expenses and connected each project with mentors for support.

Frédérique Mazerolle, McGill media relations officer, said that the university was pleased to foster sustainable solutions for local and global challenges being innovated at McGill. 

“Sustainability is an institutional priority at McGill, as evidenced by the ambitious goals we have set out for ourselves in the Climate & Sustainability Strategy 2020-2025,” Mazerolle wrote. “It is our responsibility as members of the global community that we do what we can to achieve these goals to reduce our impact on climate change and contribute positively to the sustainability of the planet.”

Simon Cleghorn, U1 Engineering and co-founder of the team 200 Urban Garden—one of the 10 finalists—explained that their project aims to make cities more sustainable by converting underutilized parcels of land into vibrant community green spaces. 

“The initiative gave us a rare opportunity as students to create and pursue a sustainable innovation with external funding,” Cleghorn wrote to the Tribune. “As six environmentalists, this was extremely exciting for us. Impact200 allowed us the opportunity to engage with other like-minded students with similar goals pertaining to sustainability.”

Two other finalists, McGill Mycelium Project and FoodMap, attempt to promote sustainability by responding to food insecurity. Another, SOlar-A,  designed water filtration backpacks to ensure areas with low resources have access to clean water through solar and biomechanical energy. McGill Engineers in Action plans to design a footbridge for rural communities in Bolivia or Eswatini, to then have a group of students work alongside these communities to develop it. The other finalists were teams Algo, CoolHealth, MentalLingual, MiniWaste, and unEarth.  

Joining forces in September 2020, Cleghorn and his team decided to participate in impact200 with the goal of implementing sustainable gardens on McGill’s downtown campus. 

“We began planning our proof-of-concept Wong Garden and formulating the vision of ‘200 Urban Garden’ at weekly meetings all throughout the 2020-2021 academic year,” Cleghorn said. “This past summer we successfully constructed the Wong Garden, which includes various forms of green technology and a wide range of produce.”

Gérald Cadet, director of bicentennial planning at the Office of the Principal & Vice-Chancellor, explained that the winning projects would be chosen based on the quality of each team’s final pitches, the applicability of each project to the SDG goals, and the project’s ability to create transformative and beneficial futures. “The judges considered many criteria, among which [was] the potential to become Bright Spots, that is, projects that transform some piece of the world for the better, clarity of the proposal, etc.,” Cadet wrote to the Tribune. “The challenge is likely to be a one-time; however, through one of the components of the Dobson Cup, students can propose sustainability-focused projects.”

Science & Technology

Computational witness stand: A new way to prevent credit card fraud

by Atticus O’Rourke Rusin on

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In 2018 alone, reported fraud cases increased by 18.4 percent from the previous year and over 20 billion dollars were lost. Although not the only source of card fraud, one major concern is the security of Automated Teller Machines (ATMs). With the spread of ATMs throughout the world, personal banking security has become an increasingly prevalent issue. From hijacking ATM terminals using “skimmers,” a device that collects messages sent on the ATMs data lines, to installing cameras to record individuals inputting their PINs, there are numerous ways for scammers to steal sensitive information from under your nose. 

To prevent fraud, Claude Crépeau, a professor in McGill’s School of Computer Science, along with researchers from other institutions, is looking to find methods for beefing up modern bank security systems. 

Once your bank PIN falls into the wrong hands, the process of resetting it can be a hassle. All the while, your account can be accessed and funds can be taken out. This is where Crépeau’s work comes into play. Using a type of cryptographic method known as zero-knowledge proofs, combined with Einstein’s theory of relativity—which stipulates that matter, and in turn, electronic information, cannot travel faster than the speed of light—the team has developed a new method of combating card fraud. 

To understand zero-knowledge proofs, imagine that person A has two identical containers. One contains a coin and the other contains a die. Person B wants to prove to person A that they can identify which container has the coin and which one has the die, even after they are mixed up. In order to do so, person A will mix up the containers and person B will guess which one has each object. If person B does this correctly several times, person A will accept that person B knows which container has the coin. However, person A will still be unaware of how person B knows this. 

Although not yet present in ATMs, bank machines could use zero-knowledge proofs in order to verify a cardholder’s identity; the cardholder proves their identity with their PIN, and the ATM machine verifies it without accessing the encrypted information. However, even this method of verification would not be foolproof. Therefore, the difficulty of cracking zero-knowledge proofs often rests upon how difficult it is to solve these equations. Some zero-knowledge proofs have already been cracked, while others may only be solved once quantum computing becomes more advanced. This raises the issue of never knowing the level of security of the proof used by banks until it is too late.

Einstein’s theory of relativity is the second piece of the research puzzle. A fraudulent ATM could record the answers given and attempt to solve the equation used to encode them, thereby cracking the zero-knowledge proof. The team decided to use multiple devices mimicking ATMs, set up approximately 60 metres from one another. A cardholder inserted their bank card into each one, and then the machines performed zero-knowledge proofs in order to prove the cardholder’s identity. For this process to work, the devices were not allowed to communicate with each other. Otherwise, fraudulent devices could potentially share information to help each other crack the code. However, if they aren’t able to collaborate, then it is similar to an investigator interviewing two witnesses separately—if their testimonials do not match up, then their story is impossible to corroborate, and the devices will be proven fraudulent.

If the devices are prevented from communicating, any potential hijacker would be forced to solve not one, but two, highly complicated equations in order to work back to the zero-knowledge proof. Since that information cannot travel faster than light, the transfer of useful information between devices will be limited, preventing access to the encrypted information.

“What we have demonstrated makes it tremendously closer to being practical in the sense that it has never been demonstrated before,” Crépeau said. “We strongly believe that with […] more important investment [in] equipment of a higher quality […] we can bring [the distance between ATMs] down to a couple metres or maybe even a single metre.”

Combining zero-knowledge proofs with Einstein’s theory of relativity could allow for a more secure method of validating one’s own identity that won’t be threatened by the advancement of quantum computing.

Although still just a proof of concept, the team’s research has the potential to dramatically improve currently vulnerable banking security. The research into the dynamic between information, light, and zero-knowledge proofs could have important implications for the future of personal banking security. 

Sports

Exposing the history of streaking in sports

by Adam Burton on

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Streaking, despite its taboo status, is a popular idea in our collective cultural memory. It’s a common high school and college movie trope to force the loser of a bet to “streak across the quad” or “do a naked lap.” This idea, however, didn’t come from nowhere: The art of stripping down to nothing and dashing as fast as you can has been around for decades.

The true origin of streaking in sports is hotly contested—a cursory glance at online sources will uncover nothing but conflicting accounts. The Guardian cites Michael O’Brien’s sprint across England v. France rugby match at Twickenham for a meagre payout of 10 pounds as the first of several streaking incidents that would plague sports in the years to come. Others, however, cite the University of Georgia as the patient zero of the streaking fad, with several streaking incidents, including a 1,500-person naked dash through campus in the spring of 1974, with some students even parachuting in the nude from above.

Some have even stipulated that streaking’s roots trace back to the 18th century, with reports of Founding Father John Adams’ son running amok across the Harvard Campus without his clothes on.

No matter where streaking claims its roots, it’s undeniable that a golden age of streaking emerged in the ‘70s. Streaking swept college campuses across both the North American and international stage, with sports fans taking to the field in the buff like never before. Streakers would sometimes interrupt gameplay several times a match, and players often felt a need to retaliate. This was the case in a 1977 match between New Zealand and Australia which featured three streakers, the third of whom was promptly spanked with a cricket bat by Australian cricketer Greg Chappell.

Streaking incidents like this haven’t died down—in fact, they’ve only grown more popular. Mark Roberts embodies this reality perfectly: As the self-proclaimed “world’s most prolific streaker,” Roberts has streaked at over five hundred events and has even been paid to streak at high profile events like Super Bowl XXXVIII, where he was ultimately bowled over by Patriots’ linebacker Matt Chatham.

Streaking is a logistical feat. Not only do you need to purchase front row seats to an event, but once you arrive, you need to figure out how to derobe quickly and get on the field before security notices you. After that, you need to run as fast as you can to avoid both security and players with the goal of staying on the field as long as possible—and getting away unscathed. Despite these challenges, people continue to seek out streaking in great numbers, leaving many asking, “Why?”

Are streakers seeking out fame? Are they adrenaline junkies? Or are they just sexual thrill-seekers? While it’s hard to attribute any single motivation to the whole of streaking subculture, Mark Roberts provided some insight in a 2015 interview with The Guardian, explaining that streaking was addictive from the very start.

 “It was just infectious. It was the adrenaline I got from that first day. I went crazy [….] I quickly realized that people really enjoyed watching me do this—this crazy mad streaking.”

The rush acquired from pulling off a stunt like this is certainly motivation for some to streak, the cost of interrupting a game and exposing yourself to thousands of spectators is clearly not deterrent enough.

While it’s hard to say why streaking has gripped sports the way it has, it’s probably here to stay—as long as it’s possible to get past security.

Creative

A Sound Walk Around McGill Campus

by Farah Elmajdoub on

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Multimedia Editor Farah Elmajdoub takes you on a sound walk throughout McGill campus starting from the Roddick Gates. As you tune in to this podcast, keep your awareness alert to what may unfold during your walk.

Features

Coping by cat spotting

by Jackie Lee on

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Picture a circus tiger. Beholden to the cruel whims of circumstance, ensnared in a system that renders its life to nothing more than spectacle, it prowls the perimeter of its cramped cage with Sisyphean contempt. Here is a tortured—though cool as hell—soul. But Jackie, you say, you’re a university student with a delicate emotional constitution. How could you possibly relate? 

Enter the pandemic. I am a nervous person by nature, a quality that the COVID-19 circus only exacerbated. My daily state-sanctioned walk was a source of catharsis (I’m outside!) but also stress (I’m outside…). Each day, like an echo of the proverbial tiger, I traced the same six square blocks of my neighbourhood, nebulously discontent but nonetheless grateful to escape the blue glow of my laptop screen. 

Amid this deluge of screen time, my first fully online semester was a study in staying afloat. Tides of academic commitment swallowed my free time, and my work day often bloated into the evening, and then night. Usually, I had to delegate my walks to the wee hours of the night in effort to focus on class and avoid people in the day. 

Of course, walking in the dark brings its own flavour of anxiety—I’m no stranger to the classic image of a woman alone at night, house keys fisted like claws. I was, and still am, prone to paranoia. Anything from a mysterious slam to a literal toaster can prompt an adrenal response out of me. For this reason, I couldn’t wander alone, even though I knew logically I’d be fine. Two of my roommates went to bed at a reasonable hour, but the third, Josie, was a fellow night owl like me. We buddy-systemed our way into a routine: Stumble through Zoom class in the day, wade through the afternoon in a depressed nap, before eventually stalking the streets in feline parody around 1 a.m. 

I remember that it rained during our first midnight excursion, damp soil blooming under the drizzle, street lamps casting the puddles into oily orange on the concrete. Josie and I trekked out regardless. Here’s another fact about me: I distract easily. While the night was more peaceful than nerve-wracking when we were together, my mind still jumped around, electric with the day’s energy. We reached a small park that bordered an apartment complex. As the rain slowed, we used our hands to deposit snails from the gravel path into the garden, when something shifted at the clamber of our footsteps. Five cats streaked out of the bushes, leaping through the garden like spooked antelopes before disappearing down the block. A beat passed. I still had snails in each hand. Buoyed by the bizarre encounter—and an unhealthy dose of sleep deprivation—we laughed. I declared that since I had spotted the cats first, I was the winner. What I had won, I didn’t know. But the concept rooted into our shared vernacular, inoculated into our speech like all good inside jokes. We appointed the site “Cat Park,” and the act of spotting cats was given a name: Well, cat spotting.  

The next day Josie and I relayed our adventure to our other roommates, and the competition began. One point for an indoor cat spotted through the window. Two points for an outdoor cat on ground level; three points for one on a balcony. A staggering six points for every cat on a leash. Photographic evidence was preferred. We operated on an honour system, as with all our other roommate-sanctioned processes. On a large sticky note pinned to the fridge four names were scrawled, aligned in equally spaced lanes like horses readied behind the gate of a racetrack. We jockeyed for points, the tally marks gradually congregating into inked clusters that advanced across our score paper as time galloped on. 

As we navigated communal life with each other in our stamp-sized apartment, cat spotting became an outlet: An excuse to walk with friends, to delight in grainy photos around our kitchen table. Venturing outside during the day was now a novelty, since I could channel any nervous energy into a careful swivel of the head, hoping to catch a flash of fur in my peripheral vision. This was a pacifist sort of hunt in which a photo was the ultimate trophy—a fulfilling yet harmless coping mechanism during the semester’s growing pains.

Hockey, Martlets, Sports

Martlet hockey snags a narrow win over UdeM, remaining undefeated

by Sophia Gorbounov on

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On Nov. 14, the McGill women’s hockey team (6–0) played the Université de Montréal Carabins (1–2–1) in a suspenseful game of twists, turns, and occasional tussles. With a team composed of both rookies and veterans, the Martlets persevered into overtime despite an early goal by their opponents, ultimately emerging victorious with a 2-1 score. 

The game began with a rush of adrenaline. Within the first 15 seconds, the Martlets narrowly missed a goal, and instead turned the puck over to the Carabins, who scored a few seconds later. 

Throughout the first half of the game, the Martlets were strong on defence, successfully blocking nearly all shots on goal. However, they struggled to move the puck past the Carabins’ impenetrable defence and talented goalie, Aube Racine. The Carabins exercised more control over their passes, while the Martlets frequently lost possession.

Despite a slow start, the Martlets came into their own in the third period. Fifth-year team captain Jade Downie-Landry said she noticed the same shift. 

“I think we did a really good job at pushing the pace, especially in the third period,” Downie-Landry wrote to The McGill Tribune. “We were down by a goal but we simplified the game and got pucks to the net.”

The team’s strategy paid off. Halfway through the third period, Downie-Landry evened the score during a power play, with assists from forwards Christiana Colizza and Stephanie Desjardins.

Stakes were high in the final period, with the score at 1-1. Both teams saw newfound levels of assertion and aggression, and while overtime was almost certain, Martlets and Carabins alike were gunning for a last-second miracle goal. The Carabins’ offence was strong, but the Martlets’ defence was stronger, and they effectively kept their opponents at bay.

Despite two very close attempts on goal by the Carabins in overtime, the score remained tied and the teams went into a shootout after 20 minutes.

As the shootout began, you could hear a pin drop: Every fan was holding their breath. The first round saw misses for both teams, as did the second round. Finally, Downie-Landry buried her second goal for the team, clinching the win with a 2-1 finish.

After an extended break due to the pandemic, the women’s hockey team now has an exceptional roster with many first-year students. Despite their rookie status, every player on the team is learning and advancing quickly. 

Third-year forward Makenzie McCallum was quick to emphasize that she would not trade her teammates for anyone else. 

“I am proud of how far we have come this season,” said McCallum. “There are a lot of first-year players, [so] we had a lot of growing to do. We’re a young team with a lot of new players but our progress as a team has been amazing to watch and I can’t wait to see what else we’re capable of.”

Desjardins has high hopes for the season, noting how excited she is to see how the team will develop.

“Obviously, it is only the start of the season and we have a long way to go,” Desjardins said. “But so far, we are playing well. The girls are eager to learn, the energy is high, and that is what we need right now.”

The Martlets play their next game on Nov. 19 against the Concordia Stingers.

Moment of the game: After a two-period dry spell for the Martlets, Downie-Landry scored her first goal of the game, sending the team and crowd into an excited frenzy.

Quote: “I’m looking forward to each and every game I get to play with these girls. We have a great group and it makes coming to the rink the best part of my day.” – Third-year forward Makenzie McCallum

Stat Corner: The Martlets have won their last three games against the Carabins and have only lost one of their last 10 games against Montreal.

Science & Technology

In conversation with Dr. Sarkis Meterissan

by Namrata Rana on

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On average, 76 women in Canada are diagnosed with breast cancer every day. October continues to be an important month for raising awareness and funds to support research and women battling breast cancer across the country.  Dr. Sarkis Meterissan, surgical oncologist and director of the MUHC Breast Clinic, is one such supporter. He completed a pledge to dye his hair pink and shave his head in honour of his patients, after raising over $300,000 for the Breast Cancer Wellness program at the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC). 

“We do a good job medically when treating breast cancers using chemotherapies, but the healing side is often neglected,”  Meterissan said in an interview with The McGill Tribune. “Money raised by this campaign will help restore a patient’s quality of life for free by providing access to sex therapists, nutritionists, and other psychological resources.” 

A study on the mental health of breast cancer survivors who opted to remove cancerous breast tissue through a procedure known as a mastectomy found that these women are more likely to develop depression than women in the general population. In contrast to women with no prior cancer, breast cancer survivors are at a higher risk of anxiety, sleep problems, sexual dysfunction, fatigue, and pain. The psychosocial impact of mastectomies can also lead to low body esteem, including accepting negative social attitudes and internalizing a destructive understanding of one’s body. Not only do women face these challenges post-operation, but they have to make difficult choices when it comes to treatment options, such as deciding between a mastectomy or conserving breast tissue through reconstruction. In fact, it has been reported that fewer than one in five Canadian women undergo reconstruction. 

“Women have taught me to not assume that all women want breast reconstruction after surgery, others are happy with their decision [to not undergo reconstruction] and continue to celebrate their scars,” Meterissan said.

Many patients develop a close bond with their oncologists, as people diagnosed with cancer often spend several years in treatment. A cancer diagnosis, depending on the severity, can be life-altering: It triggers feelings of loss, uncertainty about the future, and a constant need for emotional support. Patients often turn to their caretakers for both medical and mental support, and oncologists often play a vital role in minimizing their patients’ distress. 

“You have multiple experiences from operating, [like] the follow-up and simply getting to know the families over time,” Meterissan said. “I learn from my patients each day. One of the biggest lessons I have learned in my career is to not [project] your values and feelings of success or defeat onto the patient.” 

Meterissan explained the challenges oncologists face in cases of remission, sharing a story of one cancer patient who faced remission within a few months of a tumour removal surgery. After having operated on the patient and successfully excising the tumour, the patient’s cancer returned within a few months, resulting in his passing within the year. When gifted a beautiful photograph of a wild monarch butterfly by the patient’s wife, Meterissan realized that even though his patient’s time was short,  he nevertheless made the most of those last few months: The patient attended his son’s wedding, spent time with his loved ones, and captured another summer through the lens of his camera. 

“While it initially felt like a failure to me, it is important to recognize what patients value,” Meterissan said. “For this man, it was the gift of time. Similarly, the myriad of resources we can fund with this fundraiser will give future patients the strength to rebuild their lives. ” 

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