A caring community

Family and friends make donation to Hospice and Hospital Foundation

Afew years ago Mark Campbell attended a hockey game in Montreal with his niece and nephew. That experience kindled a dream that he would one day take his whole family—his wife, their children and grandchildren—to a Toronto Maple Leafs hockey game. However, Mark’s life took an unexpected turn at the beginning of January when he was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer, and it appeared that his dream would not be realized. His sister-in-law Wendy Goodman had other ideas. She overcame the initial reluctance of Mark and his wife, Heather, and started a crowdfunding project to take “Grampy”, as Mark is affectionately called by his grandchildren, to a Leafs game. The project took on a life of its own after Sherry Karlo got in touch with former Leafs captain Doug Gilmour. The wider NHL community became involved, and within a week or so, Mark and his extended family were in Toronto to watch a game from a private box in the arena. Mark was practically giddy with excitement. “I’m 59 years old, and I felt like I was a five-year-old and a nine-year-old,” he says.

The crowdfunding far exceeded the cost of the hockey trip, and the Campbell family decided to donate the extra money to Hospice Prince Edward and the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation (PECMHF). “I believe our community needs them,” says Mark. “I know I’ll benefit from the hospital, and the community will benefit from the hospital. I don’t know whether I’ll be at Hospice or not, because I definitely have a family that will look after me at home. But at the same time, there’s a strain on families and Hospice can relieve the pressure.” On Sunday, the Campbell family gathered at Karlo Estates Winery to make a presentation of $6,000 to Hospice and $10,000 to PECMHF. Peter Matthewman accepted the cheque on behalf of Hospice and Monica Alyea accepted the cheque for PECMHF. Also present were Mayor Steve Ferguson, MPP Todd Smith, MP Neil Ellis and Doug Gilmour.

Mark expressed his gratitude for the outpouring of support, and Heather provided a brief update on Mark’s condition, noting that they had received some encouraging news. “There is targeted chemotherapy. We know it’s palliation, but it makes things not so imminent as what we thought,” she says. “We are grateful for that, and we are grateful for all the support that we have received through Sherry, through Doug, and cannot really emphasise enough to you about the depth of love and care we have received.” Even though he faces a difficult and uncertain future, Mark’s demeanour remains serene and gently focused on his family and friends. There are smiles and the occasional tears of happiness, and an acceptance of what is to come. “We are here briefly, this is a short life,” says Mark. “What I believe is that we have eternal life, that there is a chance for us to live on. I believe this is not the end; that I will be seeing my friends and family in heaven.”

Mark Campbell (centre) sits with members of his family and representatives from Hospice Prince Edward, the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation, Mayor Steve Ferguson, MPP Todd Smith and MP Neil Ellis during a cheque presentation at Karlo Estates Winery.