Hi, we are Emma and Sue. We are asking for $15,000 to help our dad and friend Roger Gaunt with the financial burden of treating stage 4 brain cancer.

Roger is a strong guy, with an astonishing ability to get through life-altering events with his sense of humour intact. At 23, his hip was shattered in a logging accident; he was able to learn to walk unaided after extensive surgery and rehab. In his 30s, another accident with a falling branch broke his neck; in his early forties, he had a near-fatal stroke. It was a long journey to recover from each of these, but he came back from all three. He is now 63, and he still has the ready smile and laughter.

Two years ago, Roger underwent three major and two minor successful surgeries for bowel and lung cancer.

The lung cancer has returned. After a bone scan and MRI, he is now diagnosed with stage 4 cancer which has metastasized to his brain and bones, and the outlook is grim. He completed aggressive radiation therapy and began chemotherapy on February 22nd, to shrink the tumours and delay the symptoms. Roger’s goal is to have as much good time as possible and build more great memories with his family.

Between them Roger and his wife April have 3 children and are enthusiastic, loving, and loved grandparents to their 5 grandchildren, spending time with them every chance they get. Family is the most important thing in their lives.

As a granddad, Roger tells bear stories, helps the kids build projects they dream up, and takes them hiking for adventures in the forest and on the beach. As a family, they love camping and being in the outdoors. One of Roger’s favourite things is a framed illustration of a big bear walking through the forest, with five smaller bears following him. Each small bear bears the name of a grandchild.

Roger and April have been together for more than 30 years. Like Roger, April has long-term health issues; she has lived with Rheumatoid Arthritis and Crohn’s Disease for most of her adult life. She runs a small business cooking meals for busy families and has no EI or medical benefits. Roger is not able to work. April has cut back her business to two days a week to support Roger and be with him through his treatments.

Their joint chronic health conditions have had a significant effect on family finances, and they don’t have the resources to deal with the additional financial burden of cancer. When Roger’s prognosis became clear, it also became clear to us that they need help from friends, family, and community to make it through this awful time in the best way they can.

We are asking for $15,000 to help with the financial cost of cancer. The donations will help to cover out-of-pocket medical costs like transportation to and from treatment, uninsured medications and supplies, and unforeseen expenses. The bulk of the funding will help to keep operating the van that accommodates Roger’s 6’5” frame, allow the purchase of an extra-large lift chair and offset April’s lost income so she can give Roger the care he needs to stay at home.

Roger’s request is for a few days away early this summer with all the kids and grandchildren, exploring the beaches and forests on Vancouver Island that Roger and his family love.

Any contribution will make a difference, and any contribution is appreciated.

Thank you.

Emma & Sue