Support for Mark and Meghan - SmashIt (round 2)

If you know The Callans - Mark, Meghan and their kids Hadley, Claire and Nolan - you know what a wonderful, kind and community-minded family they are.

Many of you will know that 14 years ago Mark was diagnosed with brain cancer. After a long and difficult fight, he beat it. Now, truly against all odds, cancer has returned and the Callans need our help.

The Full Story

In 2009, just before Mark and Meghan's first child Hadley was born, Mark was diagnosed with brain cancer. Specifically, he had CNS lymphoma, which was very rare for someone so young and healthy. Thankfully, after an incredibly difficult four months that included brain surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, his cancer was successfully treated. Precious life carried on; Mark and Meghan established their careers, and brought two more wonderful children into the world, Claire and Nolan.

Now, fourteen years later, their lives have once again been turned upside down. After a month of increasing fatigue, Mark had some concerning symptoms that prompted a trip to WGH on September 22, which led to a CT scan showing a mass in his brain. Just 48 hours later he and Meghan were medevaced to Vancouver, and since then Mark has been rushed through a whirlwind of tests and consultations as his incredible medical team worked quickly to figure out what kind of cancer he has.

We learned this week that Mark has a recurrence of CNS lymphoma. While Mark's first occurrence of this cancer in 2009 was rare, the likelihood of a recurrence was extremely unlikely. Mark's oncologist (a lymphoma specialist) and her team have treated only one other case of recurrence of CNS lymphoma. Obviously, the news of this recurrence is devastating.

The path ahead will be difficult and uncertain, but there hope for a cure. Treatment for CNS lymphoma has progressed over the last 14 years, and Mark’s team is optimistic about the aggressive treatment plan they have laid out for him which includes extensive chemotherapy, followed by a bone marrow tranplant and additional chemotherapy. He had brain surgery just over a week ago, and has already started his first round of intensive chemotherapy this week at BC Cancer Agency. He is tired, but recovering well from these initial steps. He has an incredible support system in Meghan (partner extraordinaire) the kids, their extended families, and a wide community of friends, colleagues, and neighbours.

Mark's cancer and the long road of treatment ahead is going to impact the Callan's life in so many ways. Mark will need to stay in Vancouver for the duration of his treatment, which is likely to take at least 4 months. Beyond this, the timeline is uncertain, but it is likely that Mark will need to remain in Vancouver into the spring.

The Callans will need all kinds of support in the months to come. A big part of this will be financial support. Their income is hugely impacted (and will continue to be for some time) and their costs are higher as they navigate living out of two places with unique and high care considerations in each place.

Any contribution you are able to make will help ease the financial pressure of this very difficult time. Donations of flight segments or shareholder passes would also be hugely helpful as staying connected as a family through all of this is a top priority.

Thank you so much for your care and support. More updates will be shared here as Mark's treatment progresses.