Sean’s Cancer Diagnosis Story

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In May 2023, it came as a great shock to Sean and his family that he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. After several doctors’ appointments, it was determined that it was already at Stage 4 and that he was not eligible for clinical trials, but was set up with a surgery date in early August. Armed with a hard date in mind, he and his wife, with the blessing of the doctors, decided to make one of his bucket list goals a reality, a vacation in Hawaii in early July, however, the trip was cut short due to his quickly deteriorating condition. He came back to Campbell River, and went directly to hospital. He was tested and prodded and medicated.

He was surrounded by family and friends who brought in home baked treats and some of his favorite tasty vices. Sean was brave and a real “doer” and once he set his mind to something, there was no changing it. He was looking forward to the upcoming surgery (which would be followed by a chemo schedule) with mixed feelings, hope that he would be given extra time, but dread that he would be dependent on and in no shape to be the “rock” of the family. Unfortunately, Sean did not make it to the surgery date, with his organs shutting down, he passed away in hospital on July 17, 2023 at the age of 52, just months before his birthday on October 6th.

I would like to donate to the BC Cancer Foundation, for the prevention and early detection of the disease and to see advancement in more person-specific treatments.

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Sean, son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend
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Sean’s passionate nature involved a variety of interests, but first and foremost he was a devoted family man; he always loved little children and his grandchildren held a special place in his heart. A real people person always willing to listen and offer a helping hand; he was a true friend, a shoulder to cry on and always without judgement. He was the family car repairman, and would “rescue” stranded family members at the drop of a dime. His interests ranged from car shows to music. He began as a teenager to write his own lyrics and was a fan of MTV, I remember him singing to “Money for Nothing” by Dire Straits and Sting and later, he and his wife, would enjoy date nights of karaoke. As a teenager, he took up BMX bike racing and skateboarding; as an adult, he was an avid gardener and had a real creative flair with wood and loved to take on a project. Sean is greatly missed and always and forever loved.

Recently, I came across a poem, while reading Messages of Hope by Suzanne Guisemann, that seems to provide a guiding light:

When two hearts are joined as one
They always will be linked.
The bonds that do connect you
Can never be extinct.

For love’s a potent energy.
It’s resonance is great.
And when you share that power,
The greatest link do you create.

Death cannot divide you.
No distance is too far.
No matter if you’re here or there,
Joined by love’s bond here you are.

So grieve not for your loved ones
Who you think have left your side.
There energy surrounds you –
In your heart it does reside.

To feel it concentrate your thoughts
On how you truly feel.
Recreate the love you shared
And make their presence real.

They’re there just waiting for you –
A simple loving thought away.
So hold them firmly in your heart
Until you meet again one day.