BIG Love for Ken Dyck on his Cancer Journey

My dad has cancer. Grade 4 glioblastoma, the most aggressive form of brain cancer.

 

If you know Ken Dyck, you know his heart for people. Dad has selflessly given his energy and time for his family and friends, for his church, neighbours, and strangers in need. In just a few years, my parents were hoping to finally be able to retire. Now, instead of dreaming of holidays with mom, Dad is fighting for his life.

 

On Friday, December 11th, we were having our first family dinner together in more than two years, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. My mom, Lois, had called us together because she was worried about Dad, who hadn’t been feeling quite like himself. Over dinner we noticed there was a slight droop on the left side of dad’s face. He must be having a stroke, we thought.

 

I never could have predicted that our family dinner would end with a trip to the Emergency Room and a shocking diagnosis...

 

At 2am on Saturday morning, the ER doctor told us that Dad had a large brain tumour behind his left temple. It was likely cancerous. Everything was spinning. There’s no way to prepare for that kind of news.

 

Truthfully, in times like these, even the smallest gesture of love and support means the world.

 

Within 45 minutes he was in an ambulance being transported from Chinook Regional Hospital in Lethbridge to Foothills Medical Centre in Calgary. In less than 48 hours, he was undergoing massive brain surgery.

 

We waited for news. Praying and trusting he’d get through surgery safely. When they called to say he’d made it, there were many tears of relief. He did really well. He was strong. He’s the strongest man I know! But then, the really tough news started coming…

 

They had not been able to get all of the tumour because removing more brain tissue would have resulted in paralysis. Glioblastoma is incurable. Radiation and chemotherapy treatments can prolong life, and improve quality of life, but at some point, the tumour will grow back. Though we hope and pray for complete healing, medically speaking, one year is a typical life expectancy for those with this type of cancer.

 

So where does that leave us? Spending every moment possible together, making memories and cherishing the time which has been given. We know we are held up in prayer by so many, and we are grateful for the power in that!

 

With your support, Ken and Lois can focus on what really matters—taking care of dad’s health, and spending precious time with family over the next days, weeks, and months.

 

So many people have been asking how they can help and I’ve struggled to come up with practical ways.

 

My hope is that this GoFundMe campaign will help ease the financial burden on my parents, and make it possible for my brother Tyler to travel back and forth from Vancouver, to help support the family. We anticipate the cost of medications, travel and accommodations for treatment, and taking several months off of work will add an immense amount of pressure, especially for my mom, as she tries to plan for her future.

 

Whether your gift covers the cost of a hot meal, or gas to and from Calgary for treatment, or travel costs to keep family together—it helps.

 

We have researched and exhausted alternative funding options for Ken and Lois, and unfortunately, they do not qualify for financial aid.

 

Your support today is one way to bring some ease, light and joy into their life during this difficult time. Please give generously.

 

My parents would never think to ask for something like this for themselves. They would give anything to help others and I’m hoping this time, they can be the recipients of the love and generosity they have so willingly given to others over the years.

 

From the bottom of our hearts we thank you for your support. If we’ve learned anything from the past couple of years, it’s that we need community!

 

With more gratitude than we could ever express,

Ken, Lois, Kendra, and Tyler

 

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YOU can help keep family close and the bills paid while Ken fights cancer!

1. Give whatever you can. No gift is too small

2. Share on social media (#BIGLoveForKen)

3. Email this page – [ go fund me link] – to family and friends

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