My name is Matt and together with my wife Madison I am living with a cancer diagnosis which might not be curable.

I am only 30 years old and I have stage IV malignant melanoma.
And I am scared.

Yet I am optimistic too. I am scared I may not have many more tomorrows with my loved ones. I am optimistic there may be a cure for cancer one day through continued donor support of cancer research.

I have come to really understand how donors’ big-hearted and generous gifts are helping provide me with treatment options. Treatment options which did not exist this time last year. Donors’ commitment has funded melanoma clinical trials at CancerCare Manitoba; trials which may give me a new lease on life.

I hope my story will inspire you to support Manitoba’s cancer patients.

Five years ago my cancer started with a mole on my lower back which turned out to be the snowball which started my cancer journey. At diagnosis, the doctors determined the cancer had already entered my lymphatic system. Overnight, my cancer went from stage I to stage III.

Immunotherapy was planned however I developed acute liver toxicity and we had to stop treatment. I didn’t qualify for clinical trials at that point so I was told to stay out of the sun and hope it wouldn’t come back.

We carried on in the face of the unknown.

I run a landscaping business and by the time I was diagnosed I had 40 years’ worth of sun in eight years of working outside. Genetic tests confirmed with near certainty my cancer was caused by this sun exposure.

After my initial diagnosis we carried on and lived our lives as happily as we could, in three-month chunks between tests. Fast forward four years and terrible news, just this past June three more tumours were discovered.

The cancer couldn’t be cut out or I’d have lost my arm. Fortunately I didn’t have to face that terrible choice because it was determined surgery wouldn’t have increased my odds. That’s where we were, up until three months ago, living with a terminal cancer diagnosis.

Knowing this, life was like driving a vehicle without a steering wheel, just moving forward. I had absolutely no control.

Donor’s support has made a world of difference for me.

Shortly after my last relapse, new drugs became available because of a successful clinical trial run right here in Manitoba. The generosity of people from across the province I have never even met made this miracle possible.

By joining with other Champions of Discovery from Manitoba, your monthly donations will support continued clinical trials, like those that have given us new hope.

Science is moving so very fast. It’s really amazing. If my third relapse had happened last fall my diagnosis would have remained terminal.

My treatment comes with significant challenges

Immunotherapy is very new and there are side effects which the doctors are just learning about. The drugs can be very toxic and some simply don’t work for me. I no longer have my thyroid and my pituitary is headed that way.

The side effects of this treatment could end my life. It’s a risk we are prepared to take. Your support will help the team at CancerCare Manitoba refine these treatment options. This will give us more time together, more tomorrows.

We don’t know love without cancer.

The support of donors like you makes it possible for us to continue our love story. We have been partners since the beginning of my journey, continuously celebrating life’s little victories. We celebrated a major milestone in August, our wedding. We wanted to do something meaningful; instead of gifts, we asked for donations to the Foundation. We are so grateful for each and every one of the generous gifts made in our honour.

We have leaned heavily on the psychosocial support programs and services which are available at CancerCare Manitoba thanks to the generosity of donors. We hope you will join us in making a donation today so these vital services will remain available.

We remain very hopeful but it’s tough to dream far ahead.

I struggle to look too far into the future as I don’t know if we will get there. Madison, on the other hand, dreams of our next adventure together; hoping my health allows us to fix up this old truck we bought so we can take it for Sunday ice cream next summer. It might seem like a small thing, but it’s big to us.

The gift of life is what you give us through your selfless gifts to the Foundation. There is no better feeling than celebrating life with someone you love so much.

We are and will remain, eternally grateful for your caring, compassion and generosity.

Matt & Madison

On Tuesday November 6, CancerCare Manitoba Foundation hosted its second-annual Manitoba vs Cancer radiothon with partners 103.1 Virgin Radio and 99.9 BOB FM. From 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Virgin and BOB FM radio hosts, including Ace Burpee, Chrissy Troy, Caroline Hunter and Beau & Mark, broadcasted live from CancerCare Manitoba.

The radiothon was an incredible day featuring patient heroes sharing their compelling stories hearing from children, women and men of all ages and living with many different cancers. The common denominator for all the patients and their family members – gratitude for the care and treatment they received from the amazing CancerCare Manitoba team.

We encourage you to listen and support these very special patients living with and affected by cancer.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you!!

In partnership with:

Meet our 2018 Heroes

Adrienne’s Story

Bert’s Story

Chantale’s Story

Heather’s Story

Jasmine’s Story

Matt’s Story

Jim’s Story

Presenting Sponsors:

Hourly Sponsors:

On August 24 CancerCare Manitoba Foundation hosted the first-ever Manitoba vs. Cancer radiothon with partner 103.1 Virgin Radio.

From 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Virgin Radio hosts, including Ace Burpee and Chrissy Troy, were LIVE at CancerCare Manitoba sharing inspirational stories of patients whose lives have been positively impacted by the treatment they’ve received at CancerCare Manitoba. They also discussed the incredible work, including ground-breaking research, which happens right here in Manitoba.

From the bottom of our hearts, THANK YOU MANITOBA!
Your generosity will help create More Tomorrows Together for Manitobans living and affected by cancer.

We’re thrilled that the Radiothon will be back on November 6, 2018.
This time, we’ll be partnering with TWO radio stations, 103.1 Virgin Radio, and 99.9 BOB FM. Stay tuned!

 

In partnership with:

Meet our 2017 Heroes

Fred’s Story

When Fred found out he had cancer, he could barely get through the phone call. He didn’t know he’d have to urgently undergo 35 radiation treatments and three rounds of chemotherapy in just three months. Five years later he is healthy and embarking on the trip of his lifetime to Mount Everest with his daughter.

 

Maia’s Story

When Maia had a fever and rash earlier this year that would not go away, her mother took her to emergency. The news – her three-year-old daughter had cancer, high-risk acute lymphoblastic leukemia. She underwent a bone marrow biopsy and started chemotherapy immediately. She had to be re-hospitalized when her white cell count was dangerously low. Her treatment will last three long years.

 

Eva’s Story

Eva thought her cancer journey was over. She underwent a total mastectomy to treat her breast cancer and was cancer-free for eight wonderful years. In 2011 she received a shocking diagnosis … the cancer was back and now in her liver. The prognosis – 12-18 months to live. In her words “never give up hope” and she is living proof.

 

Tenley’s Story

In January 2016 Tenley’s parents thought their five year old daughter was battling bronchitis. Their concern turned to shock when they were told she had leukemia. Still in active treatment, Tenley has had a very difficult journey. She temporarily lost mobility in her legs and couldn’t walk. She also had extremely low blood counts which required her to be in isolation and away from her three sisters who she adores.

 

Sean’s Story

By the time Sean learned about his colorectal cancer, it had already spread to his liver. Just 26, he was working in the oil fields and following his passion – travelling. He responded well to chemotherapy so doctors were able to perform surgery that removed 80 per cent of his liver. Two years later, the very difficult news the cancer had spread to his lungs. The psychosocial care he’s received as part of CancerCare’s Adolescents and Young Adults Program has helped him so much.

 

Desirae’s Story

Some patients come to CancerCare Manitoba for treatment even if they don’t have cancer. Desirae is one of those patients. Diagnosed in 2015 at age 21 with a rare blood disorder, Aplastic Anemia, in one month she went from healthy to being told she had two weeks to live. She was immediately hospitalized and then took medication twice a day for 16 months. Now done treatment, she is regaining her strength and her life back.

 

Chloe’s Story

Chloe has lived with cancer for 11 out of the 13 years of her young life. Diagnosed with Metastatic Myo Fibroblastic Sarcoma in her right lung just before her second birthday, she has had multiple relapses, more rounds of chemo than she can count, radiation and three lung surgeries. With lung capacity of now just 10 per cent, she relies on oxygen and a wheelchair for her mobility.

 

Doug’s Story

It seems anyone who’s waited for the results of a cancer scan knows all about “scanxiety.” This includes the Chair of CancerCare Manitoba Foundation’s Board, Doug Harvey. In the past two years, he has had an up-close-and-personal look at the patient-side of CancerCare Manitoba. Diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2015, Doug has had surgery to remove his prostate, over 30 rounds of radiation therapy and hormone treatment. Within two weeks of Doug being told he had cancer, his older brother received the exact same diagnosis.

 

Genevieve’s Story

In May 2016 Genevieve was planning her wedding and had just started a new job when she noticed an indent in her breast. She immediately called her doctor. A mammogram followed soon after and then the news – she had breast cancer. Just 38 at the time, she underwent a mastectomy a few weeks before her wedding. She had six rounds of chemotherapy and nearly a year of targeted cancer therapy.

 

Brent’s Story

Brent was a young man, just 30, when he began having breathing difficulties and lost 35 pounds. A specialist found a tumour in his chest – the diagnosis, Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. He’d have to undergo nine rounds of chemotherapy and 25 courses of radiation at the same time as raising his newly growing family.

The Paul Albrechtsen Foundation Inc. is generously matching donations made this month up to $25,000.

Raising awareness and funds in support of colorectal cancer.

March is colorectal cancer awareness month, which makes it a great time to talk about the disease and raise awareness and funds in support of treatment and advancements.

Colorectal cancer is one the most commonly diagnosed cancers in Manitoba. Over 900 men and women will be diagnosed annually, and more than 300 people will die from the disease. Early detection and research are key to Manitobans surviving a colorectal diagnosis.

Please watch this video to learn more about CancerCare Manitoba’s leading-edge colorectal cancer research.

Some of the world’s best and brightest cancer researchers are working right here in Manitoba.

They are making discoveries that are helping save lives. The funding provided by the Foundation to support this critical research is only possible because of donor generosity.

Important discoveries are being made at CancerCare Manitoba’s Research Institute which will lead to new advances in the treatment of colorectal cancer.

When colon cancer is found in the earliest stage, there is over a 90 per cent chance of survival.

Chris Milton was diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2013, and underwent surgery for it in 2014. Instead of treating his experience like something that should be kept secret and hidden away from people, he openly talks about what he went through to anyone who is curious. He shares insights into his own battle, or talks with others who’ve been diagnosed with cancer and learns from them.

“I rarely have trouble talking about the thing that’s obvious in the room that nobody else wants to talk about,” he says. “If anyone seems to be uncomfortable about asking me about cancer, I’ll bring it up. The conversation is really important.”

Through these conversations a common thread emerged for Chris. “I’ve talked to many people diagnosed with cancer, and they are extraordinarily fearful. The overwhelming thing that I think everybody deals with is fear,” he said. But by speaking with people who wanted to know more, he could break down those barriers of fear, and make the disease less scary.

“If everyone seems uncomfortable about asking me about cancer, I’ll bring it up.”

This is what The Bottom Line is all about – having conversations with friends, neighbours, coworkers, and of course, family. The more we raise awareness about colorectal cancer, the better we can fight it as a community.

“My big regret is I cancelled an important medical appointment that took me out of the loop for a follow up. Had I gone for the procedure, it might have resulted in a different outcome in my life today. I chickened out of it,” Chris says.

Early detection and research are key to Manitobans surviving a colorectal cancer diagnosis. When colon cancer is found in the earliest stage, there is over a 90 per cent chance of survival. Chris’ cancer has had a bit of metastasis, but he says he’s doing great now.

“I’m grateful for an enormous number of things in my life today, but the thing I’m probably most grateful for is the fact I have a great understanding of quality versus anything else. And to be honest, my CancerCare Manitoba experience continues to reinforce that.”

Let’s follow Chris’ example and keep the conversation going. Please show support for Manitobans facing a colorectal cancer diagnosis by donating today.

Click here to donate, and watch your gift have twice the impact, as The Paul Albrechtsen Foundation Inc. is generously matching donations up to $25,000 for The Bottom Line.