Editor,
Beginning Nov. 24, 2016, I began an unexpected journey of experiences for myself, my wife, my family and friends. It involved the discovery of cancer of the prostate gland for myself, and this was surely a new and unexpected path for us.
However, along the way we discovered anew what provisions are available through faith in our heavenly Father, support of family, friends and medical assistance. After several weeks of medical appointments to Prince George — being six times forth and back — we realized I would have to take radiation treatments (37 in all) which meant we would have to stay away from home Sept. 12 - Nov. 2. After staying in motels for some of our trips, we realize we were able to book into the Kordyban Lodge Cancer Facility.
Sometime toward the latter part of August, a friend in our supportive community visited us after having talked with one of our Cancer Team members about the possibility of receiving financial help for travel and accommodation through the Community Cancer Care Team right here locally. A card with three names was given us to make a contact. Prior to this we were about to make financial arrangements to take out a bank loan as our assets are minimal being seniors on a rather tight budget.
The encouragement given to us was that, “money which has been raised locally for cancer stays locally.” So I contacted one of the Team members about this encouraging and hopeful news and was so blessed by the heartfelt response that through them we could get assistance to stay at Kordyban Lodge. This facility is new and is located next to the cancer clinic in Prince George. Since I am diabetic on insulin for 63 years, my wife Beverley wanted to be with me through my scans and 37 radiation treatments.
We want to thank the Community Cancer Care Team for your gracious financial assistance and kindness. It truly was a gift from above and also made such an impression on our children. They were awestruck!
What a community we live in! When we came to Smithers in 1973, I made the comment while driving into this beautiful valley and town which we knew little about prior to coming, “well, I think we’ll retire here when we’re ready to retire.” And now at 76 years of age and 44 years later, we still hold the same opinion.
And with grateful hearts, we are so thankful for all who make this town what it truly is! And not least of all, we are thankful for the Community Cancer Care Team as well as those who have donated financial help for many who have needed help and for those who will need assistance.
Also, our stay at the Kordyban Lodge with all its giving, caring staff and volunteers was truly an awesome home away from home. At the end of our treatments, we came home to Smithers with new friendships and a greater awareness of what cancer can’t take away from us.
We come home with a new sense of hope, health and thankfulness.
David Berg
Smithers