Step into Steve Arbour’s office and the first thing you’ll notice is the photograph on the wall. Four roads flow into a perfect circle. Rising from the middle is a metallic sculpture of soaring jets, their contrails twisting skyward to honour a World War II fighter pilot. What makes this even more impressive is the entire roundabout was built above active rail lines, carrying thousands of cars each day.
This is just one of the many projects his company has taken on. Steve has spent nearly four decades with Magil Construction, working his way up from an entry-level position to Vice President and District Manager.
“I really enjoy my job,” he says. “I get to meet wonderful people and work on developments across Ontario.”
Outside of work, Steve finds joy in spending time with his family and cycling, both of which helped him through the most challenging chapter of his life.
In 2021, he noticed one of his molars had become loose. His dentist recommended having it pulled and sending it for a biopsy, which showed an abnormal cluster of cells. Later, a burning sensation on his cheek and a small growth on his tongue brought him to London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC). Further testing revealed it was precancerous and he was sent to the oncology team. Steve remembers being immediately impressed by surgeon Dr. Adrian Mendez and his secretary, Caitlin McClinchey, who both took the time to answer his questions and guide him.
In January 2023, Steve underwent his first surgery to remove the premalignant tissue. Dr. Mendez hoped this would be enough and for a while, it seemed to work. But eventually, a new growth appeared. There was no choice but to do the full operation. Surgeons would remove part of his lower jawbone and several teeth, then reconstruct his mouth with a titanium plate along with bone and skin from his leg.
This plan seemed terrifying to Steve. He asked how often this surgery is performed and Dr. Mendez explained he does it a few times a week. The frequency astonished Steve—but also reassured him he was in good hands.
The night before the procedure, Steve, his wife and his four daughters gathered at home. They spent the evening laughing and reminiscing. “It was a great support just to have them there,” Steve says. “I didn’t know what the outcome was going to be or how long I would be affected.”
On March 19, 2024, Steve underwent a 12-hour surgery. He then spent over two weeks in the hospital ward at LHSC before moving to the home care program, where a nurse and therapist visited regularly to care for wounds and monitor his healing. His wife was always by his side, helping him through the most difficult days and celebrating the small milestones of recovery.
Adjusting to his new jaw took time. Eating meant taking smaller bites, chewing more slowly, and sometimes flattening his food. His leg also needed to heal from the graft. Cycling, however, became a way to restore circulation and strengthen his muscles again.
Today, Steve is doing well and is back at work. He continues to see Dr. Mendez every four months and the regular monitoring gives him peace of mind. Most importantly, he has returned to the things that matter most, from sharing meals with his family to participating in cycling fundraisers for cancer research.
“I’m grateful to still be here, doing the things I love,” he shares. “Even if you’ve been diagnosed with cancer, you can beat it. If I can get through it, you can too.”