Colin Gosse Memorial Education Fund
Donation protected
In Fall 2022 Colin began having incredible pain in his back and legs. A few short weeks later he was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma. This began his courageous, year long, battle with cancer.
The beginning of his journey involved several treatments, medications and regular medical trips including flying to the island portion of the province for appointments.
Treatments appeared to be working well. Colin started to prepare for the road towards stem cell transplant. In Summer 2023 it was discovered that he had developed some small masses in his liver. He was subsequently diagnosed with neuroendocrine carcinoma - with an unknown primary source. As a result, treatments for Multiple Myeloma were temporarily ceased.
This was a tremendous blow to Colin and his family, however, he never lost hope and only ever allowed himself a moment to regroup before setting his eyes on the next plan of attack. He was always positive, cracking jokes (even at his own expense) and trusted the mantra “we’ve got this” - as reassured by his wife constantly.
It was time to make the move to Clarenville area to allow for better access to health care. Colin, his partner Marcela and two of their three children moved to the island while their son stayed behind in Labrador to hold down the fort, at home, while pursuing post secondary studies. Treatment plans changed and changed again. His oncology and other medical teams pivoted constantly and quickly adjusted their approach. Colin’s cancer grew through Fall 2023.
In early November Colin completed several rounds of chemo and required a cat scan to determine the effectiveness of treatment. Frustratingly, his liver cancer had grown. A new plan of attack was forged to begin a different type of chemotherapy. Repeating the cycle of disappointment, regrouping, chanting the mantra - “we’ve got this”- he held strong to hope.
Frequently, during this time, Colin needed iv fluids, anti-nausea medications, blood transfusions, platelets, minerals, and many other interventions. The medical staff at the local hospital worked diligently to set him back on the road to health. During the last week of November Colin became ill. He and his family believed that he needed a little ‘top up’ of fluids, meds and blood products to get him back on his feet. He visited hospital on November 24th and was given the usual medications and tests. He was miserable in many ways, very tired, but never lost his sense of humor. By morning, November 25th, Colin wasn’t bouncing back. More tests were ordered: ultrasound, X-ray, bloodwork, and finally another cat scan. He was admitted to hospital for treatment. His family worried he was giving up.
Shortly after this scan, Colin was given shocking, sudden and devastating news. In the 15 days since his last CT his cancer had grown to envelope his entire liver. Little hope remained. His family prayed for some glimmer of a possible surgical intervention. He grew even more tired.
Minutes after this initial discussion a consult was held with his oncologist. It was then communicated to Colin that there would be no more surgical or chemotherapy interventions available. He was no longer on the road to health but would be reaching the end of his journey. The new goal was focused on palliative care, comfort and time with his family. Around 5 p.m. he was moved to a suite where he had the ability to spend his final hours with his loved ones.
He died at 10 pm. He passed with humor, dignity, peace and comfort. He fought like a warrior until the very end. Marcela was Colin’s soul mate for over 20 years. She loved him unconditionally. In the last twelve months this was especially true. She was his confidant, nurse, pharmacist, personal care attendant, counsellor, cook, his cuddle buddy and most importantly, his “Marcelly”.
Colin’s dream was to assist his kids with their post secondary education costs. Colin worked hard to provide for his family. Nothing was more important to him than meeting their needs. DJ is now attending college, he hopes to begin a Bachelor of Nursing in September with his ultimate goal of becoming a doctor. Mia is nearly 15 and Renata will be 11 shortly after.
Since Colin’s death, many people have reached out wanting to make a donation or asking how they can help. We can think of no better way to honour him than to set up a memorial education fund in his name to support his children.
Colin - you may no longer be with us but we can take up your mantra - “we got this”. Thank you for your support.
Treatments appeared to be working well. Colin started to prepare for the road towards stem cell transplant. In Summer 2023 it was discovered that he had developed some small masses in his liver. He was subsequently diagnosed with neuroendocrine carcinoma - with an unknown primary source. As a result, treatments for Multiple Myeloma were temporarily ceased.
This was a tremendous blow to Colin and his family, however, he never lost hope and only ever allowed himself a moment to regroup before setting his eyes on the next plan of attack. He was always positive, cracking jokes (even at his own expense) and trusted the mantra “we’ve got this” - as reassured by his wife constantly.
It was time to make the move to Clarenville area to allow for better access to health care. Colin, his partner Marcela and two of their three children moved to the island while their son stayed behind in Labrador to hold down the fort, at home, while pursuing post secondary studies. Treatment plans changed and changed again. His oncology and other medical teams pivoted constantly and quickly adjusted their approach. Colin’s cancer grew through Fall 2023.
In early November Colin completed several rounds of chemo and required a cat scan to determine the effectiveness of treatment. Frustratingly, his liver cancer had grown. A new plan of attack was forged to begin a different type of chemotherapy. Repeating the cycle of disappointment, regrouping, chanting the mantra - “we’ve got this”- he held strong to hope.
Frequently, during this time, Colin needed iv fluids, anti-nausea medications, blood transfusions, platelets, minerals, and many other interventions. The medical staff at the local hospital worked diligently to set him back on the road to health. During the last week of November Colin became ill. He and his family believed that he needed a little ‘top up’ of fluids, meds and blood products to get him back on his feet. He visited hospital on November 24th and was given the usual medications and tests. He was miserable in many ways, very tired, but never lost his sense of humor. By morning, November 25th, Colin wasn’t bouncing back. More tests were ordered: ultrasound, X-ray, bloodwork, and finally another cat scan. He was admitted to hospital for treatment. His family worried he was giving up.
Shortly after this scan, Colin was given shocking, sudden and devastating news. In the 15 days since his last CT his cancer had grown to envelope his entire liver. Little hope remained. His family prayed for some glimmer of a possible surgical intervention. He grew even more tired.
Minutes after this initial discussion a consult was held with his oncologist. It was then communicated to Colin that there would be no more surgical or chemotherapy interventions available. He was no longer on the road to health but would be reaching the end of his journey. The new goal was focused on palliative care, comfort and time with his family. Around 5 p.m. he was moved to a suite where he had the ability to spend his final hours with his loved ones.
He died at 10 pm. He passed with humor, dignity, peace and comfort. He fought like a warrior until the very end. Marcela was Colin’s soul mate for over 20 years. She loved him unconditionally. In the last twelve months this was especially true. She was his confidant, nurse, pharmacist, personal care attendant, counsellor, cook, his cuddle buddy and most importantly, his “Marcelly”.
Colin’s dream was to assist his kids with their post secondary education costs. Colin worked hard to provide for his family. Nothing was more important to him than meeting their needs. DJ is now attending college, he hopes to begin a Bachelor of Nursing in September with his ultimate goal of becoming a doctor. Mia is nearly 15 and Renata will be 11 shortly after.
Since Colin’s death, many people have reached out wanting to make a donation or asking how they can help. We can think of no better way to honour him than to set up a memorial education fund in his name to support his children.
Colin - you may no longer be with us but we can take up your mantra - “we got this”. Thank you for your support.
Organizer and beneficiary
Treshana Gosse
Organizer
Clarenville, NL
Marcela Gosse Sanchez
Beneficiary