Member Submission
A couple of years ago, I was planning to donate a kidney to save a father to a young boy. I felt fit, but during the testing, I learned that at 53, I had stage 4 colorectal cancer. Ten months later, after chemotherapy and a 10-hour surgery, I was declared NED — no evidence of disease. Although I know it may come back, I felt like a walking miracle.
During treatment, I signed up for a few Wellspring programs. I live in Vancouver and these were online. My favourite has been Art Therapy. I found comfort in the guidance provided by the Art Therapist. I created a watercolour that came from the heart, and expressed what my treatment has meant to my mind and my body. At the encouragement of a loving friend, I plan to frame it. It serves as a reminder of a few key things for which I am so grateful: the strength of my breathing body and mind, our incredible medical professionals, my supportive husband, and the people at support organizations like Wellspring who helped me heal.
Unsurprisingly, I kept my kidney. The father has since received someone else’s and is thriving.
2 Responses
Doctors have now confirmed that it was likely appendiceal cancer.
Hello Karen,
I wonder if you are the Karen who was/is married to Werner? I was Richard Wynnyks former wife, long time ago. I lived in Alert Bay, BC back in the 1990s and heard about you up there. I’m now back in Toronto going on 22 yrs. An artist, single (never married again), retired and for some reason, had a dream last night that Werner was in. Something to do with
Spanish Banks only it was in Toronto in the dream.
Hope you are doing well and healthy again.
Christine
chrisluna397@gmail.com