Chatham Ribfest organizer keeps going, despite medical diagnosis
Summer, to Doug Hillier, means it's festival season. Each year, he takes pride in organizing the mass get-togethers for local communities, despite a challenging medical diagnosis.
"My life has been absolutely fantastic, enjoying the outdoor weather and the risks even," he told CBC Radio's Afternoon Drive. "Even if it rains, I've got my chin up."
Hillier, born and raised in London, has organized festivals of all kinds (but mainly food-related) across southwestern Ontario for more than two decades. But 11 years ago, he was diagnosed with a brain tumour. Instead of taking a step back, he rejected his prognosis and ramped up his efforts to bring more outdoor festivals to small communities.
"I was given a diagnosis of five to seven years to live. I made changes to my life in things like wills and making sure my paperwork was taken care of, and my bucket list," he said. "But it turned out my bucket list is working. I actually really enjoy what I do."
His doctor suggested he travel the world, but Hillier said that didn't appeal to them. Rather than going to the people for his festivals, he decided to let the people come to him.
"All the cultures are in our food festival in London," He said.
Hillier loves what he does so much, he doesn't care if it turns a profit. That's the case with this weekend's Chatham's RibFest, which he took over three years ago. Hillier was out $30,000 after his first go at that festival.
Part of the reason why Hillier isn't making money is that he doesn't care to charge admission.
"I believe the parks are for us," he said. "We're the citizens, the tax payers... they're our parks and charging admission for it is just wrong."
Now, years after his diagnosis, Hillier said he feels fantastic and credits his health to the work he remains passionate about.
"I lost the use of my arm for two and a half years and it just seemed like it was really going downhill and maybe the doctors were right," he said. "Here I am, holding my phone with my right hand, and I'm pretty proud of that. I think the outdoor weather has really saved my life."
