Make double the impact for cancer care

With my best friend and husband by my side at Langley Memorial Hospital, I heard the news everyone dreads.

I had colon cancer.

Not long before, my massage therapist told me he felt some swelling in my abdomen. Could that have been swollen lymph nodes?

My family doctor, suspecting appendicitis, booked an ultrasound for me. Not long afterward, I was admitted to the hospital for surgery.

It was a whirlwind of fear and confusion. At Langley Memorial Hospital, Dr. Steve Hansen’s words still ring in my ears: “We’re going to get to the bottom of this, and we’re going to figure it out.” That’s exactly what I needed to hear.

And so began my long ordeal with two bouts of cancer. This journey taught me so much about resilience, about faith, and the power of the love of my family and friends.

But most of all, my experiences over the following year opened my eyes to the dedication and compassion of the doctors and nurses at Langley Memorial Hospital.

Care close to home
This month, Langley Community Health & Hospital Foundation is raising funds for equipment to help medical staff diagnose and treat patients like me who are living with a cancer diagnosis. After my experience, I want to do everything I can to help.

Dr. Steven Hansen, Dr. Lan Vu and the nurses I came to know over those nine days at Langley Memorial Hospital made a tremendous difference in my health and my outlook today. One nurse sat with me the first time I cried after surgery. She was so reassuring and her kindness is etched in my memory. I’ll never forget her.

Under their care, and then under the care of my oncologist, I finished my last treatment for colon cancer on December 12, 2014.

Suddenly, another blow: my oncologist was just about to release me from her care when we discovered I had breast cancer. In the end, it was a tougher haul than my first experience, but I am proud to say that my last treatment for breast cancer was in June 2019.

I was born and raised here in Langley, as was my husband. All three of my children were born at Langley Memorial Hospital. So this community and this hospital are close to my heart.

A decade later, when I look back at the whirlwind journey of my health and recovery, I’m so grateful that I was able to receive care here, close to home.

I am so grateful that the nurses, doctors and all the caregivers at Langley Memorial were by my side every step of the way. I know I’m not alone.

Make double the impact
This fall, your giving will make double the impact. Thanks to the Fort Langley Lions, every dollar you give will be doubled, ensuring that medical caregivers get the tools they need to do their jobs the best they can, as quickly as they can.

When you join me and the Fort Langley Lions in supporting the purchase of medical tools used in cancer surgeries and diagnosis, you’re honouring Langley Memorial Hospital’s medical staff for their hard work.

Your dollar goes further than ever before, helping caregivers and cancer patients live and work better, healthier lives.

Sincerely,

Candy Foster