Stewart’s Story

Life was good. I was spending lots of time with friends and family, watching my children become responsible adults and celebrating 28 years with my wife. 

Then it all changed. I’ll never forget that day.

I went to see my doctor to get some test results. He sat down next to me, put my chart down on the table, looked me in the eye and told me what he found. As soon as he said that word — cancer — I couldn’t hear anything else. Graduations, weddings, anniversaries — they all swirled in my mind. The thought of leaving my family behind was just too much. 

I was referred to Dr. Usmaan Hameed at North York General, who took the time to explain everything in great detail. I had a rare form of cancer in my gastrointestinal tract and I needed surgery to remove it. It was one of the scariest points in my life. But Dr. Hameed’s calm demeanor and positivity empowered me to take my deepest fears and turn them into motivation — to fight this with everything I had so I could be there for my family. 

I’m so grateful to have had such skilled and compassionate doctors and nurses at North York General who helped me through it all. 

They successfully removed my tumour and I was desperately hoping to get the all-clear so I could get back to my life. But Dr. Hameed had more news. He told me that one of my earlier tests found lesions on my liver. There was a chance the cancer had spread. All my fears came rushing back. My children needed me. My wife needed me. I just wanted this to be over so I could be with them. The fight wasn’t over.

Dr. Hameed ordered medical imaging scans to get the answers we needed. An ultrasound and MRI would provide detailed pictures of my liver so he could figure out what was happening inside me. 

If you or a loved one have ever faced a possible cancer diagnosis, you know that these tests can be stressful. At the same time, they’re so important for early detection. They can save your life.

Today, I’m thrilled to share that the lesions on my liver are benign and I’ve been given a clean bill of health. We’re so relieved and grateful to the donors that generously funded the medical imaging equipment that revealed this good news. Donors play a critical role in patients’ lives.

North York General has seen nearly 16,000 cancer patients over the last five years, and that number is growing. Thousands more people in our community will have the same fears I did. 

That’s why it’s so important for our hospital to have advanced medical imaging equipment that helps cancer patients like me. I know that these machines will also help diagnose and treat countless other illnesses and injuries, from broken arms to life-changing lung diseases. Patients from nearly every department at North York General rely on medical imaging equipment to help them get better. Thanks to donor support and North York General, I can spend more time with my family and be there when they need me.

With my warmest gratitude,

Stewart
Grateful patient at North York General

If you feel inclined, your donation could mean improved care for another dad, mom, child or someone else in our community.