Rick and Anita's Story

After his recovery from cancer, Rick and his wife Anita made a gift in their will in appreciation of the wonderful care they received.

It was a turn of fate. In 2016, I had been working around the house, preparing to host friends for the summer long weekend. When it was time for a lunch break, I made a sandwich and sat down. 

I don’t remember exactly what happened next. It was a blur. I do know that I fainted – my sandwich and drink spilled all over the living room floor.

When I regained consciousness and told my wife, Anita, what had happened, she insisted that we postpone our gathering with friends and go to Michael Garron Hospital. That decision saved my life.

We were in the right place: a quick diagnosis led to treatment and recovery

Without wasting any time, the team at Michael Garron Hospital’s Stavro Emergency Department ordered a battery of tests for me.

After a chest x-ray and CT scan, I was diagnosed with lung cancer. Anita and I were shocked. How could a non-smoker like me have lung cancer?

And when I asked how the cancer was connected to my fainting, the response was surprising. It turns out fainting had nothing to do with the cancer. I’ll be forever grateful for that turn of fate that got me the care I needed just in time.

The diagnostic tests continued. They indicated that my cancer had not spread beyond my right lung. Treatment began quickly and included surgery. Fortunately, Michael Garron Hospital is a level one thoracic surgery centre that provides comprehensive surgical care for most areas of the chest and upper abdomen – a major achievement for a community hospital.

From that first night in the hospital, Anita and I felt like we were in the right place. We had the best doctor, and kind staff that went out of their way to show they cared for me. That’s deeply meaningful when you’re facing a life-threatening diagnosis like cancer.

Today I’m cancer-free. I don’t think about cancer anymore, I think about life. I’m so very grateful to Dr. Simone, my cardio-thoracic surgeon, and to everyone who cared for me and Anita.

Making a gift in our will to help future generations

Anita and I have decided to give back, in deep appreciation of the wonderful care we received at Michael Garron Hospital. That’s why we’ve included the hospital in our will. When you live in the community, it’s important to donate to your local hospital. We want future generations to benefit from the same exceptional care we received.