Belanger Stepping Up For Cancer Fight

Horseman Anthony MacDonald is encouraging everyone to help support trainer Paul Belanger, who has been forced to step away from the conditioning ranks to battle cancer.

"I've been racing my whole life and I can't remember ever coming across a more cheerful and happy gentleman than Paul Belanger,” MacDonald recently wrote on social media.

“Last week I learned that my friend Paul had been diagnosed with cancer, and he was forced to stop training horses to get ready for the race of his life. In our industry we might battle one another every week on the track, but few of us ever battle cancer. Like many of us, Paul is far too proud to ask for help in this, his time of need. So I'm asking for him. Please join me in giving Paul whatever financial security we can so he can focus at the job at hand in such a stressful time.

“Get better soon Paul, keep smiling and laughing, we are all here for you."

MacDonald has gone on to explain that it is commonplace to see Belanger enjoying a good laugh at the racetrack, and that he's always smiling and happy and is one of those people who literally would give you the shirt off of his back.

“He is not the first friend I've had to be diagnosed with cancer,” said MacDonald, “we all know people who are suffering and need help. But from time to time we stop for a moment and try to imagine what it's like to be that person. Be their wife, husband or child. And at that moment action is needed.”

MacDonald has also said, “Please feel free to join me in helping a man who would absolutely reciprocate given the chance.”

To check out a GoFundMe page that has been set up to support Belanger in his time of need, click here.