Bruce Petherick is a musician, originally from Australia who moved to Calgary, Canada for professional development reasons in 2001. The last time he went to Australia was in 2003 to travel and see his mother, who was ill from cancer. Although he had purchased a ticket to return to see her, she died days before he was to leave, and he arrived in Australia the day after her funeral.


Earlier this year, Bruce’s father, Ian, told him that he was also suffering from cancer. Their relationship has been difficult, but over the last 8 months they had been reconnecting. Again news of a more aggressive cancer was found just over a month ago, leaving Ian with a prognosis of months to live.


As difficult as this news was for Bruce to receive, he struggled with the memories of not being able to say goodbye to his mother, and now being faced with the same situation.


The loss of one’s parent at any age is a difficult event to deal with and process, more so with such a great distance between family living on opposite hemispheres. Bruce does not want to miss an opportunity to be able to spend a short amount of time that is left with his father creating and capturing precious memories.


With his father’s 80th Birthday around the corner on July 1, Bruce would like nothing more than to be able to see him again, before cancer takes Ian from this world.

The realisation that a flight is quite expensive between Alberta to Australia, is causing not only financial stress, but emotional stress as well.  Bruce will be accompanied by Meredith, his partner, so that she may help him during this difficult time.


If you know Bruce, he is not one to ask for help, and would typically feel very very uncomfortable being in the spotlight for anything without the safety of his piano. However, he has found himself having to ask for this help. Any help that you could give would be greatfully, and heartfully accepted.