Inspiring Stories

Cause
Category
Type

Story

Tom & Helen Heath

We will always be together: Tom Heath’s Story

Following my first heart attack in July 2011, I had an ablation at University Hospital in London. In August 2014, Helen and I decided to celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary with a trip. We planned

Story

Rick and Colleen DeJager

Change the future: Rick and Colleen DeJager

Colleen DeJager was on vacation in Napa Valley when her phone rang. “Hi Colleen, this is Dr. Alp Sener. I'm calling about your husband, Rick.” As the words leave his mouth, the world starts to shrink

Story

Mandy Dostie

My plan to rise: Mandy Dostie’s Story

For years, I endured constant pain and numbness. It began in my ear and gradually spread to half of my face. While driving, I would sometimes experience a sudden, intense jolt of pain, forcing me to

Story

Andrea Baird

Walking Tall: Andrea Baird’s Story

On a sunny New Year’s Day, the snow crunched under my skis as I carved down the slope. Suddenly, I lost control and my vision flashed white with pain as I clutched my left knee. I had torn my ACL and

Story

Dave Ridley

A Lethal Game of Hide-and-Seek: Dave Rigley’s Story

Dave Rigley lies awake—each tick of the clock echoes louder. According to scan after scan, he was perfectly healthy. Yet, he knows it’s there. Growing. Festering. And if he waits long enough, it will

Story

Erin McDonald

STAY STRONG: Erin McDonald’s Story

Erin McDonald is sitting on the bus and suddenly she feels a pit growing in her stomach. She senses it slowly moving up, sending waves throughout her body. Her mind starts racing, everything feels

Story

Shannon Kadar

From Adversity to Advocacy: Shannon Kadar’s story

At 40 years old, Shannon Kadar was living her dream. She was married to her high school sweetheart, she had three happy sons, and a fulfilling career. Then she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer.

Story

Davis Huehn

To those who came before: Davis Huehn’s Story

Back in Kitchener for reading week, Davis Huehn and his mother, Tanya, cherish every moment together. Through the shared laughter, Tanya’s happiness is palpable—because her son is not just home, he’s

Story

Jessica Wright

Never say die: Jessica Wright's story

39-year-old Jessica Wright has battled various illnesses her whole life and during adulthood, she faced an unprecedented diagnosis of clear cell odontogenic carcinoma in her lungs. Her only treatment option was experimental radiation at the Gerald C. Baines Centre for Translational Cancer Research where she met Dr. Pencilla Lang. Jessica’s treatment was successful and she is deeply appreciative of the Baines Centre for giving her a second chance at life.