Steve Blake, Calgary golfer with Stage 4 cancer, tees it up at Rogers Charity Classic

Steve Blake, a Calgary golfer with Stage 4 lung cancer, is competing with some of the best golfers in the world at the Rogers Charity Classic this weekend.

Blake, one of the province's best golfers, was diagnosed with the disease Sept. 19, 2023, and was given an estimated 12 to 24 months to live.

He received an exemption to compete in the PGA Champions Tour in Calgary, where he is notably teeing up against the likes of Vijay Singh, Ernie Els, Steven Alker, and fellow Canadian Mike Weir.

Blake joined CBC Radio's Daybreak Alberta Saturday morning ahead of his second day of play at Canyon Meadows Golf and Country Club to share his story.

"It's been very, very emotional," Blake told host Paul Karchut.

"Since Rogers gave me the exemption about three months ago, it's been one of those, you know — looking forward to it every day."

Blake adds it's been difficult adjusting to his condition since being diagnosed. He's a non-smoker and considered himself a healthy person until his diagnosis, which he says has given him a new outlook on life.

"Too many people hear this news, whether it's Stage 4 or not, too many people have sat with their doctors and heard 'you have cancer.' I've been granted this opportunity to share my story with ... social media and it's really amazing. It's getting out there and it's reaching so many people. I've had people in the last few days reach out to me from all over the world."

Blake says the knowledge that his story is reaching all those people is exactly why he's playing this weekend.

"Life isn't over, you get out there, and still chase your dreams ... Don't let this stop you from doing the things you love, whatever that might be."

Kelly Blake, Steve's wife, told CBC News it's remarkable to see how many people are behind her husband, cheering him on as he fights the disease.

"We can't even find words to express the gratitude, the love, the support, that we have been getting from our family, our friends, our community, strangers — it's unbelievable," she said.

Kelly added that, while her husband is a great golfer and is being recognized for his talent, she regards him as an inspirational human being for his determination to fight his cancer. 

"This is bigger than golf, yes he wants to compete and he wants to do well and he wants to show that he has the talent to be with these guys, but it's a bigger message. It's a message about, you know, you might be going over some speed bumps in your life, but you have to stay positive."

Blake designed red shirts with the words "Blaker's Army" and "Stronger Together" on the front as well as "Live Life and Love Something" on the back. Kelly says the family is selling the shirts at the golf course and the proceeds will go to cancer research. 

Brooklyn Blake, Steve's daughter, told CBC News she's proud of her dad for giving it his all at a tournament filled with stellar athletes.

"No matter his circumstances, he's out there to compete, and he's competing with the best, and he's on the highest level and the highest stage right now," she said.

Brooklyn adds her father has a remarkably positive attitude, and she believes that is having a positive impact on his health, as well as his confidence.

"It's humbling, and it's just incredible to see his mentality, and it's truly an inspiration for everyone," she said. "Everyone says my dad's their hero."

Blake says the support and love he's felt has been tremendous, and it's been fulfilling to be able to play professionally in the only Canadian event at the PGA Champions Tour.

"It was just up to me to get my game in gear," he said.

He praised the organizers of the tournament for allowing him to play. He told CBC News that preparing for the tournament has given him something to focus on, other than being sick.

"Knowing that it's coming and the anticipation to build and build and build, and it finally being here, it really was exciting, it was amazing, and it definitely has helped with my health," he said.

Asked how he's faring in his fight against cancer, Blake said his loved ones help him stay positive.

"I'm a firm believer that with the right combination of treatment — chemotherapies, targeted treatments, and whatnot — and the belief that your body can ... battle this as much as that can, you know, with everybody behind you and sending prayers and positive vibes.

"Even though the prognosis is very dim ... we can get through this and change that one to two years into four to six years and beyond."