Help Vern Fight Cancer

This is news that is hard to share but our family needs your help. I apologize in advance as I know this will be a surprise to people who know my parents, but there is never a convenient time to hear this type of news. My dad, Vern Dyck, has been diagnosed with Squamous Cell Carcinoma, a form of cancer. Unfortunately, it is an advanced cancer, and the tumour is located on his neck making it life threatening. My name is Shaun Dyck, and I am the son of Vern Dyck. I am organizing this GoFundMe in hopes of providing some support for Vern and Diane in this difficult time.

Despite all the health struggles Vern has experienced, he is still a fighter. He has chosen to undergo some aggressive radiation treatments to hopefully shrink and get rid of the tumor. This will be followed by immunotherapy treatment. For those who do not know Vern’s history, he had a stroke when he thirty years old. Thankfully, Vern recovered; however, age and circumstances are now taking a toll. The last few years he has faced severe restrictions in his mobility and now heavily relies on a wheelchair and on people to lift him.

To further complicate the situation, Diane has also been struggling with some health issues that are preventing her from caring for Vern as she has faithfully done for so many years. They have been needing home care to help Vern at home the last few weeks and will continue to need it as he undergoes his treatments.

Here’s where Vern and Diane need your help. First and foremost, we are all asking for people to pray. Prayer for the doctors and medical professionals as they work with Vern to combat the disease. Prayer for the health of both Vern and Diane. And prayer for us siblings as we support our parents.

Secondly, we are asking people to please consider financially helping Vern and Diane. They are not in a financial situation to cover all the costs associated with the treatments Vern will have to go through. They will need some money to help cover the cost of travel, accommodation, medications, home care, meals, as well as lost income as Diane will be unable to work. Additionally, Vern has just turned 65, which prevents him from accessing some supports. Diane does not feel comfortable driving in Saskatoon, and they are currently reliant on drivers and others to lift Vern in and out of the vehicle. This is not sustainable, especially as Vern cannot receive the majority of his treatments in Swift Current. Vern does not have an accessible vehicle, and they do not have the financial means to purchase one. Ideally, it would be beneficial if Vern and Diane could stay in Saskatoon for the duration of the treatments. This would give them quick access to the hospital, his oncology team, and accessible transit. They are hoping to use some of money raised through this GoFundMe to help pay for these accommodations and other associated costs.

All the funds raised through this GoFundMe will go directly to Vern and Diane. Any additional funds raised not needed to cover the items listed above will go towards the purchase of an accessible van for Vern.

We know times are tough now and money is hard to find, but every little bit can help. If you are willing to help in any way, please know that this would be greatly appreciated. Over the years, Vern and Diane have given graciously to those around them without ever expecting anything in return. We are now asking for people to please help them in their own time of need. If you wish to use e-transfer to send financial support instead, please contact me.

Thank you,