In Loving Memory of Gary Dobson
Hi Everyone, my name is Lehla and I am Jamie's sister, Gary's sister in law.
As many of you know our beloved Gary passed away in his sleep on Wednesday June 16th after a long and grueling battle with Lymphoma cancer.
Our journey started in January 2020 with Gary experiencing extreme stomach pains, nausea and other symptoms. It wasn't until March that the Dr at Surrey memorial ordered extensive tests to try and solve Gary's mysterious condition. On April 14th we received the devastating news that changed our lives, "you have cancer". Gary was diagnosed with Large B Cell Lymphoma, with massive tumors on his color and Liver. It had also metastasized in his right femur, it was everywhere. His treatment plan was aggressive and it took everything from Gary. We sought out help from Integrated Health Naturopath in Fort Langley, and to say they are miracle workers doesn't give them enough Justice. Through all his chemo, and naturopath treatment Gary kept a smile on his face and did everything he could to support his family. As a family we took this time to spend as much time together, and to celebrate every birthday, holiday, and event as a BIG DEAL. Now you all can only imagine how happy this made Gary, it was always the bigger the better with him. Looking back I am so grateful for all the memories from the past 18months, all the videos and pictures.
On October 29th, 2020 Gary and Jamie received the call we had all been praying for. "You are cancer free". We were sitting at S&L in Langley for Jamie's birthday when they broke the news to us. We all cried tears of joy and excitement, this was short lived. In the weeks leading up to Christmas Gary started experiencing headaches and pressure, he was starting to get dizzy and collapsed walking in a store. He was admitted into Surrey Memorial for testing and on December 20th we received the devastating blow that the cancer was back, and this time it was in his brain. The plan was for another 5 rounds of Chemo, and a 5 week stay at VGH for a Stem cell transplant procedure.
Gary stayed in VGH alone for 5 weeks, no visitors were allowed as his immune system was so compromised any small cough or cold would've been catastrophic to his health. We all tried to keep him fed, and entertained. Running food, and clothes back and forth to the hospital. Facetime calls, and House party, looking back it doesn't feel like it was enough.
When Gary was released from VGH, he was so sick, so tired. He stayed in bed most of his days, cuddling with his kids and reading books to his demanding niece. Gary never really recovered from the Stem cell transplant.
In the weeks leading up to his death Jamie had taken a leave of absence from work to care for Gary and they spent their days enjoying each others company. And we know Gary loved having his wife be his personal nurse.
Gary's death came as a complete shock to all of us and to say the loss is earth shattering isn't enough. Gary was the pillar of our family, he was the pillar of all his friends. Gary's loss has left such a hole in all of us, its unbearable to think about.
Gary leaves behind his 4 kids ages 14-9 as well as his 2 nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind his beloved wife of 20 years.
We love you so much G.
I have created this Go Fund Me to help lower the financial stress Jamie is facing, she currently no longer qualifies for EI.
Jamie lost her best friend of 20 years and I can't imagine her going back to work during this extremely difficult time.
Thank you everyone for reading our story, for sharing and for donating. You have no idea how much your love and thoughts mean to us.
Lehla
