Lorne Miller is used to being on the entrance strains and witnessing tragedy. However the Calgary firefighter and father of two did not count on to face hardships of his personal.
“I’ve sat on the ‘runway to the afterlife’ a number of instances now,” Miller stated. “There isn’t any checked bag, there is not any carry-on, it is simply you and a one-way ticket out of right here.”
Miller was identified with most cancers after medical doctors found a cancerous mass almost the dimensions of a volleyball in his abdomen on Might 9, 2021.
After the surgical procedure and celebrating a 12 months of being most cancers free, he received a disturbing telephone name. It is again.
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“I assumed I used to be clear and to listen to you were not was actually onerous. Your thoughts goes to one million totally different locations, with the apparent one being certainly one of them,” Miller stated.
He had one other operation simply earlier than Christmas of 2022. He is aware of how onerous it was for the individuals closest to him.
“I can deal with something with this illness. I can deal with surgical procedure therapy, I feel I may even deal with dying however what I can not deal with is the affect and ache it causes different individuals. The concern and the fear,” Miller stated.
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Lorne Miller after surgical procedure.
Courtesy: Lorne Miller
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Lorne and his household.
Courtesy: Lorne Miller
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Lorne Miller and his 4-year-old son, August.
Jill Croteau/International Information
However he stated he felt an obligation to do one thing past his prognosis. He and his household are featured in a video marketing campaign for the Alberta Most cancers Basis.
“It’s totally humbling to share that story and I simply hope it exhibits folks that regardless of that sickness you possibly can nonetheless reside a lifetime of gratitude.”
“I’ve realized to not let the troubles of tomorrow take away the fun of right this moment. Day-after-day is a present and I am fortunate to be right here and I do know that,” Miller stated.
“All you are able to do is give.”
Alberta Most cancers Basis CEO Wendy Beauchesne stated these residing with most cancers have to see hope.
“Day-after-day, 60 individuals hear these three phrases: ‘You will have most cancers.’
“Tales like Lorne’s illustrate the complexity of the most cancers expertise. It isn’t linear, it is messy and muddy, but it surely’s additionally crammed with love and pleasure and hope,” Beauchesne stated.
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“I spent a variety of time on the lookout for somebody like me with a uncommon model of most cancers who was nonetheless alive or alive and thriving, and at last my pal stated, ‘You could be that voice for another person,'” Miller stated. .
An nameless donor has provided to match as much as $25,000 in donations to the Alberta Most cancers Basis this month to assist fund the battle.
“Life is a lovely and great expertise that I desperately need to be part of,” Miller stated.
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