A North Vancouver cancer survivor is encouraging people to think about the legacy they can leave behind once they’re gone.
After decades of support from BC Cancer in both her personal and professional life, Sheila King felt compelled to ensure the organization would be included in her will – and she’s hoping others will show their appreciation in a similar vein.
“I know firsthand the good work that BC Cancer does and I think it’s such a wonderful organization,” she said. “It’s truly a worthwhile cause, I really believe in the work they do.”
King’s relationship with BC Cancer spans back to the 1990s, when she embarked on her career with the organization. For 13 years she led the team that built the organization’s mammogram program, expanding it from just two sites to 34 sites across the province.
The program was among the first in Canada and now completes 270,000 screens each year.
It was when King was reaching retirement that she became more connected to the company in a way she had never imagined. A routine mammogram, carried out to support a friend who didn’t want to endure the experience alone, resulted in a breast cancer diagnosis.
Over the course of a few months King received surgery from the organization she had worked for for more than a decade, “world class treatment” that would prove to be life-changing, she said.
“I received wonderful care, and I’ve done very well as a result for 21 years. From both working with the agency, and then as a patient, I really know it’s a great place,” she said. “I respect it and always will, it does excellent work.”
It is the kindness and generosity of donors and fundraisers that ensures BC Cancer can continue to aid patients like herself, said King.
“Where would we be if cancer research wasn’t funded? Giving money helps the research, improve treatments and maybe even find the cure,” she said.
“It’s such a worthwhile thing to do and it helps every family, as almost every family has been touched in some way by cancer.”
For those who wish to leave a charitable donation in their will, the BC Cancer Foundation offers options to leave a bequest on their website. According to its website, all funds will be put towards leading-edge research by scientists at BC Cancer who are searching for new and better ways to diagnose, treat and prevent the disease.
Mina Kerr-Lazenby is the North Shore News’ Indigenous and civic affairs reporter. This reporting beat is made possible by the Local Journalism Initiative.
This story originally appeared in a Celebrate Seniors Week special print section of the June 5, 2024 edition of the North Shore News.
