This past year, many patients have marked milestones in their cancer treatment by ringing the “Bell of Hope” at BC Cancer centres across the province a symbolic gesture to recognize what they have been through as they embark on their next step.

It is also a moment to celebrate the many family, friends and healthcare heroes who support and care for BC Cancer patients.

Of course, many cancer stories end differently: not with a bell-ringing celebration, but with a family left in sadness and grief.

When you make your donation today, please keep in your heart the people you would like to honour this holiday season.

Whether it’s someone currently facing cancer...a loved one who has sadly passed away...or even the healthcare heroes and researchers at BC Cancer who work tirelessly to improve outcomes and save lives...your gift will have an enormous impact.

Thank you for your generous giving spirit this holiday season!

Heather Geluk, an avid mountaineer, had been on expeditions to climb some of the highest peaks in the world.

In 2021, at the age of 45, when she was diagnosed with stage 3 cervical cancer, she faced a new mountain - but it was her dream of returning to mountaineering that kept her strong and resilient.

She still had many dreams ahead, adventures to embark on and so many peaks to climb. As you can imagine, the thought of cancer was painful and scary. In Heather’s words, “it was an expedition she didn’t sign up for.”

But then Heather took on cancer much like she does a mountain: one step at a time.

Her first instinct was to research. She quickly learned that BC Cancer is one of the leading cancer treatment centres in the world, and that she would receive excellent care here. This filled her with hope. Rather than fear the unknown, she decided to face this proverbial mountain with as much strength and determination as the literal mountains she had already climbed.

And today, looking back, Heather believes that the cutting-edge technology and treatment she received at BC Cancer, combined with the care and kindness of her medical team, were instrumental in her cure.

Heather had a clear vision of her life after cancer, one where she would be a champion and ambassador for the BC Cancer Foundation to help raise awareness and inspire others… a vision she is now manifesting.

A year after completing treatment, her life beyond cancer became a reality as she stood tall at Mount Everest Base Camp, proving to herself that life was back on track.

For Heather, "life beyond cancer" means hope, gratitude, and the chance to keep inspiring others.