Story update: Lions Gate Hospital cancer patient/ultramarathoner achieves goal
Two weeks ago in this space, VCH News first reported on Nigel Deacon, a cancer survivor, ultramarathoner and fundraiser. To celebrate his good luck in being able to attempt an ultramarathon in South Africa while in the midst of treatment at Lions Gate Hospital, Nigel launched his second fundraiser for the hospital’s oncology department to reward it “for its culture of solace and mercy.”
“You will all know friends or family who have been affected by a cancer diagnosis,” he noted in his blog. “It changes everything. Things are never the same. Lions Gate is dedicated to making it better.”
Impossible became possible
Just prior to the big event, Nigel dreamt he could complete the gruelling Two Oceans ultramarathon in six hours and get a bronze medal. But he did better than that. He completed the 56-km run in five hours, 40 minutes and 59 seconds.
“Yesterday, the impossible became possible. With help from my incredibly supportive team, I had a fabulous run in the world’s most beautiful ultramarathon,” Nigel recently wrote in his blog about the Two Oceans Marathon in Cape Town, South Africa.
“We had all trained so diligently that we did not suffer afterwards,” he wrote in an email this week from South Africa. “My three fellow runners are all much faster and younger than me but they ran with me in fellowship. Such a beautiful feeling.”
Chemo clinic team “lifesavers”
Nigel is particularly grateful to senior oncologist Dr. Sasha Smiljanic and Symptom Management RN Laura Wilson.
“They are my lifesaving team,” he says of Sasha, Laura and the entire staff at the LGH chemo clinic.
Like his better-than-expected ultramarathon results, Nigel also surpassed his fundraising goal of $2,000. So far, he has raised almost $2,200.
Sasha isn’t surprised.
“Nigel is truly an amazing person,” says Sasha. “You’ll see what I mean when you meet him in person.”
Laura concurs.
“He’s the neatest guy,” says Laura. “He is so kind and gentle and always has a positive attitude.”
Grateful to donors
Nigel is equally grateful for all the generous people who’ve donated to his campaign.
“You all warmed my heart and will warm the hearts of others,” he says.
VCH News will finally get to meet Nigel in person, when he returns to LGH for a treatment later this month.
You can follow Nigel’s journey at www.nigeldeacon.blogspot.ca or by clicking here.
Oncologist Dr. Sasha Smiljanic and Symptom Management RN Laura Wilson are key members of Nigel Deacon’s care team at the LGH chemotherapy clinic.