Men have a one in two chance of being diagnosed with cancer during their lifetimes; for women, the chance is one in three, according to the National Cancer Institute (NCI).Feb 9, 2022
A little about our family.
My parents came to Canada in 1951 from occupied Hungary. They arrived in Canada with nothing and built a life and family. My mother Judy, lived a fulfilling life doing what she loved most; writing and painting. My father Oscar, built a business from the ground up and was his own boss and ran the company for many years.
Cancer took the lives of both my parents.
My mother suffered through lung cancer for three years and lost her battle in 2004. She underwent Chemotherapy and was pronounced in remission. Unfortunately, the Chemo did not help and she was in remission for a very short period of time until the cancer came back. I have fond memories of the staff at the Jewish General Hospital Pulmonary Oncology clinic who were beyond fantastic. When my mother visited the clinic for treatment, the staff looked after her like she was their own mother. They would offer her blankets, tea, lunch, dinner and whatever else she needed to be more comfortable. The Doctors were never in a rush, they gave her as much time as she needed, no questions went unanswered and the staff were always available.
My father was diagnosed with Stage 4 Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma in 1993.
He was a survivor, he lived for over 17 years before the Cancer spread.
He was looked after and kept alive by the Hematology department at the Jewish General.
My older sister Carol died of a brain tumor that she had for over 22 years.
During that time she endured Chemotherapy, radiation treatments and multiple surgeries as well as taking experimental drugs. Anything to lessen the pain and to help her get better. She was seen by many Jewish General professionals and had support from Hope and Cope.
Cancer has deeply affected my life and taken away the people who mean the world to me. I will never forget the incredible support and assistance my parents and sister received. My parents and sister were kind, had the biggest hearts and loved their friends and family dearly.
We appreciated all the help we could get and it all made a difference.
We all know this kind of care does not come cheap.
The requirements are endless the funds, of course, are not.
I hope that any small part we can play can also help in the lives of those with this horrible and all too common disease.
Greg Luger