If you would like to share your Shine a Light story, please email us at special.events@cancercare.mb.ca.
My donation to Shine a Light is in memory of our daughter Carrie who passed on July 28, 2021 at the age of 47 years. Her battle lasted 4 months. Cancer of the unknown was her diagnosis therefore any form of treatment was not available.
The sunflower is a symbol of happiness, loyalty and strength. Carrie was all of these.
She was blessed with a beautiful daughter Presley.
Having sunflowers in your home is like bringing the sunshine indoors; they light up a place just like their presence. And Carrie lit up a place with her presence and her beautiful smile!
Carrie is always with us, looking down
with her smile! Think of you everyday! Miss you terribly!
❤️ Rick and Pat
We continue to shine a light in memory of our son/grandson/nephew/cousin, Colby Macdonald.
Colby was diagnosed with Medulla Blastoma in April 2013 and after a 2 1/2 year hard fought battle, our little warrior lost his fight to this horrible disease on November 26th, 2015.
Colby was a loving, caring and mischievous little man who lit up our lives and left an impression on everyone he met, children and adults alike!!
Even as he fought the cancer, he continued to make us laugh at his antics, and despite all the treatments he went through, he never failed to brighten our days with his beautiful smile.
Colby, we will love and miss you always and forever, and your light will continue to shine bright in our hearts.
– Your family
My donation of Shine a Light is for my mother Josephine Rogers. My mother passed away from pancreas cancer way too young at 59 years old. She was a very caring, generous woman who loved her husband, children, grandchildren and family. She was quick to shine everyone else’s light and share how proud she was about her family. It is time to shine a light for her.
She died in 2000 but is thought of daily 23 years later. We miss her!!!
Put the money to good use so others can keep their loved ones longer.
– Cheryl B.
I have made a donation in memory of my dear friend Carol Leszcz who died of leukemia. She was an amazing spirit, and her memory continues to bring light to my world.
– Marilyn M.
My light is shining for my late husband David, who died 32 years ago. He died 5 days after his 40th birthday. He was originally diagnosed with esophageal cancer and then liver cancer. He fought very valiantly and never complained or felt sorry for himself. David was an amazing patient while going through chemo and radiation, smiling and laughing even when the going got tough. He was loved by many and still greatly missed. Thank you.
– Donna KS.
Shannon was my best friend, she was my BFF. We laughed together and we cried together. Tomorrow would have been her birthday, it is the first time I cannot call her and wish her a happy birthday. During the pandemic we would face time each other and toast each other on our birthdays. She would have the white wine spritzer and I would have the red wine with dark chocolate on the side. She always got a kick out of that!
Happy birthday my BFF
November 5, 1956 – June 14, 2023
– Christine R.
I made my Shine a Light donation in memory of Madeleine Nolette because of her love of Christmas. In her obituary it states “Madeleine loved the Christmas season and ensured everyone attending her large gatherings had presents to open. Her home was often referred to as a Christmas Wonderland.”
She will be missed so much!
Thank you – Merci!
– Suzanne N.
This light will be in memory of my sister, Alaing Clare, who died from cancer on September 5, less than 2 months after diagnosis. A part of her workup was a consult with Dr. Lesley Roberts at CancerCare, HSC and referral with Dr. Puff, CancerCare in Selkirk. My sister, a retired R.N., had a long history in the Operating Room in Selkirk and scrubbed in for many surgical diagnostics and treatments for cancer. Her light shone throughout her career.
– Gail M.
This year we continue to Shine the Light in honour of my wife in her journey with cancer. Her journey continues on a positive note with successful treatment with breast cancer. We also shine a bright light in gratitude of all the medical team at CancerCare. God bless!
– Terry and Segunda C.
My husband, Tom Curtis, was a patient with CancerCare for 20 months. He was diagnosed in 2021 with stage 4 bladder cancer. He Lost his battle in October of 2022. During his 20 months with Cancercare he relied on support from Cancercare almost on a daily basis. Chemo & radiation were extremely hard on him and he had to be admitted regularly for hydration and follow up care. His nurse Marybeth was an Angel and his conversations with her always brought him a sense of peace. Cancercare provided excellent care for Tom and they were always there for his many needs. Thank You
– Maggie C.
We are shining a light for our son Neil who we lost March 30, 2018. He was our shining light. Cancercare supported his journey through his treatments and treated him and his family with care and dignity which we will be forever grateful for.
– Grant & Helen D.
My donation is in the memory of my husband Clifford Hnatiuk who passed away in August 2019 after a 2 ½ year battle with Mesothelioma. He left behind two daughters, a stepdaughter and two stepsons as well as seven grandchildren.
We will be forever thankful for the services provided by CancerCare Manitoba and will continue to make donations to support research and ongoing patient and family care. Thank you so much for the work that CancerCare does for patients and families.
– Alyce H.
Our family wanted to Shine a Light for our beautiful mom & beloved wife – Pearl Worona. We lost her on August 7, 2023 after her second battle with breast cancer. That day the world got much dimmer as she brought so much light, love and laughter to the lives of everyone around her.
We are grateful to Shine a Light in support of CancerCare in her memory. She is deeply missed by her family – husband Lawrence (they would have celebrated their 50th anniversary this October), daughter Lorey, son Andy and all our family members. Forever in our hearts ❤️
– Sheldon & Lorey A.
I Shine a Light in honour of the Radiation Therapy department. The people who administer radiation to patients every day are angels. They welcomed me every morning with a warm smile and an arm around my shoulder that made me feel seen and safe and cared for. They lifted my spirits when I felt like the treatments would never end. They rubbed my back when I was nauseous. They hugged me despite the pandemic, despite the dubious hygiene that comes with 31 relentless days of pelvic radiation treatments, simply because they knew I needed it. I am forever grateful.
I hope the radiation therapists read this because they had a meaningful, lasting impact on me. I hope they know how important their work is and how well they do it.
– Andrée-Anne B.
I am choosing to Shine A Light to honour my dear husband Kenneth James Henry. We all miss him dearly. He was such a great man. Even during his treatments he always asked how I was doing…miss him and love him everyday. Especially around the holidays because he always loved a house full of family and friends. He was always in charge of the turkey. From roasting and basting, to carving it.
Love you babe!
– Teresa S.H.
The person who I Shine a Light for is Dr. Lin Yang at CancerCare. She has been providing care for me since July 2022. I really appreciate how thorough she is and how she explains everything to me in terminology that I can easily understand.
– Linda F.
Brenda McMullen was a wonderful woman who bravely fought cancer for 12 years. She was a mother, wife, grandmother, sister, daughter. She loved Jesus and was an inspiration to many. It was a great joy for her to be able to spend time with her children and grandchildren, and with her extended family. She is dearly missed, and deeply loved.
– Marcia R.
Bob was a very special husband father and papa. I am very happy to say even though he was diagnosed with cancer June 13, 2022 he never passed from it. He had it in his throat which caused problems breathing, which in turn caused a heart attack that left him brain dead. On what would have been his first day of treatment it was decided to turn off live support, the following day September 7, 2022 he passed, his second treatment day.
I can’t say enough about the team at cancer care, they are all very helpful and caring, making a tough time a little easier. I also dealt with them with my mom.
Thank you to the angels of CancerCare for everything you do.
– Julie S.
I am shining a light in memory of my dear Mom, Ettie Robinson, who passed away from cancer in November of 2018.
My Mom got the best of care at CancerCare. Everyone was very friendly, positive and caring. We are so appreciative of the year we had with Mom after her diagnosis.
Thank-you for everything you do to help people and their families.
– Bonnie R.
Once again I am Shining A Light for my son, Donny Bresch. He was diagnosed with ALL at the age of 5. He fought so courageously through 5 years of chemo, radiation and 2 relapses until he beat it! Donny married and had two beautiful children. At the age of 30 the secondary cancers began. First thyroid cancer, several skin cancers, esophageal cancer and finally he passed away in August 2022 from liver cancer at the age of 45.
Donny your courage and will to live was a shining light for us. We miss you but your light is still shining bright in our hearts.
– Joan B.
Our mom has survived cancer twice. She is 97 years old. I also have cancer.
– Kay F.
In memory of our dad/didu… we miss you each and everyday ♥️
– Donna P.
I donated to this special event in memory of my mother, Shirley Nixon who passed from lung cancer.
– Kathy B.
I am shining a light for my sister, Linda Carol Nelson.
– Alison B.
I am forever grateful for the care I received after being diagnosed with a large cancerous tumour in my stomach. On October 7th, 2016, I received my “pic”n my first 6 chemotherapies . Every staff member treated me with kindness n compassion. Thank you for all the help to regain my health.
– Janet C.
My wife Segunda was diagnosed with breast cancer in May of 2022. She underwent surgery at Health Science Hospital and later received radiation treatment. We feel so blessed by all the staff and doctors for their care and support.
– Terry C.
We honour Jolene Wood.
She is a cancer survivor, still fighting with everything in her. Jolene was told she had metastatic cancer 2 years ago. She is a young, proud, indigenous woman, age 37 years. She has two sons
ages, 15 and 8 and a partner
and lives in Borden, Ontario.
It is She we honour with a light.
– Croy J.
Five years ago on December 6th, I began my radiation treatments for breast cancer. I made my daily trip to Cancercare for my radiation treatments for 4 weeks. From my 1st visit to my last visit I was treated with kindness and compassion.
I will never forget the people from Cancercare with helping me through this difficult journey.
It’s been five years, and I thank these people every day.
– Marge L.
My light is shining for my son, Donny Bresch, who passed away from metastatic liver cancer on August 14, 2022 at the age of 45. Donny was a childhood cancer survivor (ALL) who was diagnosed at the age of 5. He fought courageously through 2 relapses, five straight years of chemotherapy and a full month of radiation to his head and spine. His oncologist believed his beating ALL was miraculous considering those 2 relapses.
All was well until 13 years ago when he was diagnosed with thyroid cancer followed by several basal cell carcinomas on his head. In the summer of 2021 he was diagnosed with esophageal cancer and put up a great battle through chemo treatments and surgery. He was just feeling well enough to return to work this August when he was diagnosed with the liver cancer. He lasted 2 very hard fought weeks. He leaves behind his wife and two beautiful children.
My son never surrendered. His children became his light and reason for fighting so hard. He is very much loved and missed.
– Joni B.
My mother Margaret just passed away on Thanksgiving (October 10, 2022) She was 84. Mom was fist diagnosed with breast cancer when she was 41. She had a radical mastectomy, we were blessed with 38 years before the cancer showed up in the other breast. This time at her age mom opted for a lumpectomy and received radiation. She was able to see her second granddaughter get married, and had the opportunity to meet her two great grandsons in the last couple of years. Margaret Desrocher was a breast cancer survivor! Unfortunately, she was also diagnosed with melanoma in the last 5 years. My mom is my hero, everything she went through because she loved her family, being with us and doing things together. I will miss her always and forever.
I want to thank Dr. Rivard and many others at Cancer Care for what you do everyday!
I also would like to thank the volunteers that drive cancer patients to and from their treatments ❤️ this was very helpful to us.
Shining a Light for my mother Margaret is so appreciated as she was such a light in our lives.
– Patricia D.
Deborah was the light in my life for 45+ years of marriage.
She was a loving Mother, Wife and Educator revered by everyone she came in contact with.
Born: July 25th, 1953. Died: April 10th, 2019
In very loving memory!
– John, Chesney, Kellen and Lesya B.
I just purchased a Shine a Light in memory of my brother, Dr. Garry Schroeder. He worked as a Radiologist Oncologist at CancerCare Manitoba.
He has been missed by our family. My 98-year-old mother was talking again today about how much she missed him.
– Carolyn M.
Sharon Pollack was a CancerCare Manitoba volunteer, the first coordinator of its Caring Room, a frequent media source about its programming and a Guardian Angel Award of Distinction honouree. And throughout that time she received the best of care from its doctors and nurses and staff. So it’s right for her light to shine in their workplace window.
– Rocky P.
We lost a husband, Dad and Poppa on August 9, 2021. We shine our light in memory of Russ Killbery, for the ‘light of our lives’ who made Christmas incredible. He loved shopping and always found those perfect gifts. Our traditions are what he created, listening to Lee Greenwood Christmas music, driving through the city to see the lights, family gatherings, dinner with all his favourites and bringing joy to all around him. His eyes would twinkle and he’d say this is what it’s all about: the happiness that only a room full of children, laughter and love could bring.
Miss you always and love you forever.
– Marie, Meghan, Jared, Garth, Becky, Kieran, Kellan,
Makenna, Dekker, Freya, Zaylee and Zennyk
I have donated on behalf of my late wife who sadly lost her battle with cervical cancer in 2019.
She was a loving wife, friend, college and person to everyone around her. She started a campaign to collect socks, gloves, toques and any other winter gear for shalom mission to help people in need during the winter months. She enlisted the wives of the Winnipeg Jets one year to help her collect and they did a great job getting donations of clothes for that cause. Laura was a giving person no matter who was in need, she is sorely missed by family and friends every year during the Christmas holiday.
CancerCare Manitoba was there for her day or night no matter what the need was, and the level of care she received from doctors, techs, nurses and all support staff up until the end was unparalleled. I want to thank all the doctors on her team, headed by Dr.Altman. The treatment I received from them being involved in all aspects and explaining everything in detail to me during treatment got me through one of the toughest times in my life. Keep up the good work you all do.
– Mike K.
I have given a $100.00 donation to Shine A Light at CancerCare in memory of my mom, Dorothy Slidders. My mom absolutely loved Christmas lights. She lived until 102 years old and was still sharp as a tack. In the end it was her Breast Cancer that took her life. I hope somehow she knows that one of your lights is for her.
This is a wonderful idea. Thank you CancerCare for doing this.
– Judy H.
I have made a donation in memory of my mother in law, Jacqueline Singer. She died of lung cancer in 1989. So long ago, but she is still missed. She was Executive Assistant to Dr. Lionel Israels for many years, so was well familiar with the Manitoba Cancer Treatment and Research Foundation, as it was then known. She was a wonderful caring person, and her lovely caring granddaughter, my daughter, is named after her – Jackie never got to see her. She continues on through the best in us.
Thanks for giving me this opportunity.
– Marilyn M.
I am shining a light in memory of my amazing grandson Colby Macdonald.
Colby was diagnosed with Medulla Blastoma in April 2013 and lost his battle to this horrible disease on November 26th, 2015 at the age of 8 years old. Colby was a loving, caring, funny and mischievous little man who lit up our life. He left an impression on everyone he met, children and adults alike. Even during his battle he was a warrior who still laughed, entertained us with his antics and never failed to lighten our days with his beautiful smile.
We miss him every day and his memory will never fade.
– Karen M.
I would like to thank all the doctors and nurses and everyone involved with the care of my husband Tom Curtis.
He spent 22 months at CancerCare before losing his battle. Tom had a very difficult battle with cancer and anytime he had a question or a concern CancerCare was there for him. He trusted all his doctors and nurses over at CancerCare.
Thank You so much for all the excellent care Tom received during his journey with Cancer.
– Maggie C.
My light is shining for my late husband David, who died 31 years ago. He died 5 days after his 40th birthday. He was originally diagnosed with esophageal cancer and then liver cancer.
He fought very valiantly and never complained or felt sorry for himself. David was an amazing patient while going through chemo and radiation, smiling and laughing even when the going got tough.
He was loved by many and still greatly missed. ❤️
– Donna KS.
We are Shining a Light in memory of our mother Norah Bailey.
She received wonderful care at CancerCare Manitoba during her journey with ovarian cancer.
She was a shining light in our family and we still feel her presence. She cared deeply about others and would be happy to know we are honouring her while helping others.
We love and miss you Mum!
– Esme B.
I donated to Shine a Light in memory of mother, Sheila Gunderson.
She passed away almost 5 years ago in November of 2017. Even though she drove me crazy at times, I still miss her dearly.
She was a woman of strong faith who could really cook and was an amazing baker!
– Bruce G.
My donation to Shine A Light
at CancerCare is for my husband Gordon Demers, with much gratitude for the caring staff & wonderful care he received during his Prostate Cancer treatments
in 2020.
Light always brings us joy. I hope that anyone touched by cancer can find some joy in seeing these lovely lights that are shining
for them as well.
– Linda D.
We are shining our light for dad who passed away 2 years ago. Still miss him dearly. We also want to express our thanks to CancerCare Manitoba for providing the care and support.
– B Fan.
My family is shining a light in memory of Ed Parkin. We know Ed isn’t suffering now, that’s what gives us strength to carry on. We all miss you Ed very much.
– BettyAnn K.
I am Shining a Light in memory of my mom, Myrna, who passed away with cancer. Her kindness, laughter and love for people were a bright light to everyone around her.
– Lorena G.
I have made the donation in memory of my beloved husband Chris Dant. Chris lost his battle with Prostate Cancer in January of 2021 after 6 years. He never gave up hope and always put everyone at ease when discussing what he was going through. The staff at CancerCare were so supportive especially Dr. Joel Gingerich and Cheryl.
Chris worked for True North Sport and Entertainment and the Winnipeg Goldeyes. Everyone who knew him learned very quickly that he had an extensive knowledge base when it came to sports. He was avid golfer. He had a great love for music and was an amazing guitarist.
I can’t begin to describe how much he is missed by not only myself, Thomas, Stacy, Ermina Rusty (our dog), his brother Rob, sister Shanlee, brother-in-law Robert and niece Sharilyn and the rest of the family, but all his friends and everyone’s else life he touched.
– Karen S.
Our light is shining in honour of my uncle, Ray Schroeder who lost his battle with oropharyngeal cancer 20 years ago on November 8, 2002
at 51 years young.
He was a light in our family, and received excellent care by my colleagues at CancerCare Manitoba.
I now work as a radiation oncology resident doctor at CCMB, and try to offer my patients the same compassionate care my uncle was fortunate to receive here.
– Dr. Megan McDonald and the Schroeder Family
I Shine a Light in memory of my wife, Sylvia. She passed away this year of mesothelioma cancer.
My heartfelt thank you to all of her CancerCare doctors, nurses and other staff for their kindness in their treatment of Sylvia. Also thanks to the palliative care nurses for helping me look after my wife.
I and my family miss her every day.
Thoughts and prayers for all cancer patients.
– Gord D.
Having worked at CancerCare Manitoba for more than 30 years, in various clinic areas (adult and pediatric oncology clinics, radiation oncology clinics, and Chemotherapy Treatment Room to name a few), I have been fortunate to have encountered so many wonderful patients, some still with us, and some who have passed on. Some were also my colleagues. All continue to inspire me.
I have witnessed the monumental, and truly innovative research that has been carried out here in CancerCare Manitoba, both by researchers and clinicians who have since retired, and by those still working here today. For all of these reasons, I am “shining my light” with my donation.
– Michelle P.
If you would like to share your Shine a Light story, please email us at special.events@cancercare.mb.ca.
