Patricia reported earlier this week that movie critic Joel Siegel had died of colon cancer at the age of 63. Unlike almost everyone in North America, I'm not that into movies and though I had heard Siegel's name, I didn't really know much about him. But I wish I did, after watching this video on Siegel's life, his fight with cancer and his undying support for a cause he so firmly believed in; Cancer awareness.

After Siegel's first wife died of brain cancer at a young age, the critic began to talk publicly about cancer, and it's with tragic irony that he passed away from the disease that worked so hard to fight. Siegel's final days were marked with deep regret that he didn't get screened for cancer sooner, as his doctors told him that if he had been tested a mere 3 years earlier, he would have had a much better chance at seeing his young son grow up.

Cancer's lost a brave and powerful spokesperson, and I hope his message and memory lives on for a long time.

ABC movie critic, Joel Siegel, has died of colon cancer today at the age of 63.

After learning at the age of 57 that he had cancer and had only a 70% chance of even seeing his first child's birth, he wrote a book for his son to tell him all that he wanted him to know, just in case he wasn't around to tell these things to him in person.

"Lessons for Dylan" is the story of Siegels's life. It tells of his first wife Jane who died of brain cancer after only six years of marriage, his travels, his work in civil rights and his career in broadcasting. He also wrote of his deep pride in his Jewish heritage.

From David Estin, President of ABC News, "Joel was an important part of ABC News and we will miss him. He was a brilliant reviewer and a great reporter. But much more, he was our dear friend and colleague. Our thoughts and prayers are with Joel's family."