Life Line for Pete's Sake
Donation protected
I look at Pete and wonder how on earth could one survive a year of two brain surgeries, multiple chemo sessions plus radiation and a host of infections and still be optimistic. Where does that strength inner strength come from since the physical strength is gone? Friends, family and colleagues at first are quite surprised at his physical changes caused from drugs and cancer treatments but once the conversation starts they’ll find the same old Pete, gracious, funny and full of spirit.
But that bright light may dim without treatment from a drug known as Avastin. It’s an incredible $6,700 every two weeks to administer. We’re told that he’ll need treatment for an indefinite period. Thanks to all who wanted to help. We’ve created a Go Fund Me campaign to make it easier for you to support the family’s financial need as a life line for Pete.
For more than 30 years, Pete has been in the healthcare profession with the majority of his time spent in orthopaedics/fracture clinics. Good Friday of 2016, he was at work when he fainted. He was initially diagnosed with stroke but further tests showed he has a brain tumor. In July 2016, Pete fell into a coma which he luckily woke up from. As many people self reflect after a trauma , Pete asked his sister “Did I do enough to help people, did I do my best every day, I keep asking myself,” he said. This didn’t surprise his sister Sue since Pete always put others first. Being kind and doing the right thing always drove Pete. Here’s someone in really rough shape and he’s still thinking about whether he could have done better?
Pete’s fragile health after treatments left him wondering if he could squeeze out another day. He mentioned his only regret in life was not meeting Annie (wife) sooner. At 50 years of age, Pete really found the love of his life, his soulmate Annie and for once, a true sense of happiness. In a whirlwind romance, the two married and Pete embraced Annie’s daughter Monique. Having Monique as his daughter brought another layer of joy and it allowed Pete to be a big kid again. The two got aquainted by spending quality time together at school events, movies, Disney and admittedly chomping down on a lot of goodies. Being a family man suited Pete well. Two years later, Annie gave birth to Ava. While cuddling Ava in his arms so gently, he whispered now I understand what Sue meant about that special bond – it’s hard to explain but I get it now. Ava is now 8 and Monique is 18 years old. Both want a lifetime of experiences with their dad to celebrate the special milestones.When Pete decided to have his second surgery in less than six months, he sought many opinions. A lot of us felt we personally couldn’t manage the pain, however we understood that need to never to give up for the family’s sake. Just before Pete being wheeled into surgery, he thanked all the hospital staff, his friends and family knowing there was a chance of not waking up. Why did he choose to do the second surgery? That was easy for Pete, he had a long bucket list of to do’s. Pete confided that the real reason was that he wanted to take that chance for the future and to wake up to see Annie’s face even if it was just for one more day. He made it through the surgery and still has a long road ahead of him to be able to walk out of the hospital. After two falls Pete lost his ability to walk so his goal is to attend Annie’s nieces wedding in August. He’s working hard with a private physio to reach that milestone.
Through this ordeal, Pete has treasured his time with his friends from university who commiserate on youthful antics. He’s so grateful to his colleagues at Trillium Hospital especially the fracture clinic whom he truly views as family, the doctors and specialists who supported him through difficult times , those who played hockey with him. Pete will admit he took a lot of pucks from them. His childhood friends and his extended and immediate family.
Your generosity will help cover the costs of Avastin which is not covered by SunLife and the aftercare should he be able to come home. Peter needs this drug urgently. Thank you all for your kindness, thoughts and care. We cannot express enough how your presence has been a blessing.
We want Pete to be around for a long-time. Please support our efforts.
But that bright light may dim without treatment from a drug known as Avastin. It’s an incredible $6,700 every two weeks to administer. We’re told that he’ll need treatment for an indefinite period. Thanks to all who wanted to help. We’ve created a Go Fund Me campaign to make it easier for you to support the family’s financial need as a life line for Pete.
For more than 30 years, Pete has been in the healthcare profession with the majority of his time spent in orthopaedics/fracture clinics. Good Friday of 2016, he was at work when he fainted. He was initially diagnosed with stroke but further tests showed he has a brain tumor. In July 2016, Pete fell into a coma which he luckily woke up from. As many people self reflect after a trauma , Pete asked his sister “Did I do enough to help people, did I do my best every day, I keep asking myself,” he said. This didn’t surprise his sister Sue since Pete always put others first. Being kind and doing the right thing always drove Pete. Here’s someone in really rough shape and he’s still thinking about whether he could have done better?
Pete’s fragile health after treatments left him wondering if he could squeeze out another day. He mentioned his only regret in life was not meeting Annie (wife) sooner. At 50 years of age, Pete really found the love of his life, his soulmate Annie and for once, a true sense of happiness. In a whirlwind romance, the two married and Pete embraced Annie’s daughter Monique. Having Monique as his daughter brought another layer of joy and it allowed Pete to be a big kid again. The two got aquainted by spending quality time together at school events, movies, Disney and admittedly chomping down on a lot of goodies. Being a family man suited Pete well. Two years later, Annie gave birth to Ava. While cuddling Ava in his arms so gently, he whispered now I understand what Sue meant about that special bond – it’s hard to explain but I get it now. Ava is now 8 and Monique is 18 years old. Both want a lifetime of experiences with their dad to celebrate the special milestones.When Pete decided to have his second surgery in less than six months, he sought many opinions. A lot of us felt we personally couldn’t manage the pain, however we understood that need to never to give up for the family’s sake. Just before Pete being wheeled into surgery, he thanked all the hospital staff, his friends and family knowing there was a chance of not waking up. Why did he choose to do the second surgery? That was easy for Pete, he had a long bucket list of to do’s. Pete confided that the real reason was that he wanted to take that chance for the future and to wake up to see Annie’s face even if it was just for one more day. He made it through the surgery and still has a long road ahead of him to be able to walk out of the hospital. After two falls Pete lost his ability to walk so his goal is to attend Annie’s nieces wedding in August. He’s working hard with a private physio to reach that milestone.Through this ordeal, Pete has treasured his time with his friends from university who commiserate on youthful antics. He’s so grateful to his colleagues at Trillium Hospital especially the fracture clinic whom he truly views as family, the doctors and specialists who supported him through difficult times , those who played hockey with him. Pete will admit he took a lot of pucks from them. His childhood friends and his extended and immediate family.Your generosity will help cover the costs of Avastin which is not covered by SunLife and the aftercare should he be able to come home. Peter needs this drug urgently. Thank you all for your kindness, thoughts and care. We cannot express enough how your presence has been a blessing.We want Pete to be around for a long-time. Please support our efforts.
Organizer
Annie Jin Suen
Organizer
Mississauga, ON
