A Third Diagnosis and a Crisis of Hope
Kevin Harper could scarcely comprehend the devastating news. Having already conquered cancer twice, the research-and-development scientist received the crushing blow in 2017 that his rare and aggressive T-cell lymphoma had returned. This recurrence came just as he was approaching the significant five-year cancer-free milestone. For Harper, a resident of Caledon, Ontario, who maintained a healthy and active lifestyle filled with global travel, the diagnosis felt like a brutal sucker punch.
"I got really depressed," Harper recalls. "I was walking the halls of The Princess Margaret thinking, 'What's the point of doing this again? I've already been through this twice.'" The emotional weight was so immense that he seriously contemplated abandoning treatment and returning home.
The Turning Point in a Hospital Hallway
At his darkest moment, a chance encounter changed everything. Harper crossed paths with Dr. Sarah Hales, a psychiatrist with The Princess Margaret's psychosocial oncology team, and one of her interns. Dr. Hales immediately recognized Harper was in a profound crisis. She promptly arranged for him to access therapeutic sessions.
"I had an appointment or two and it turned the page," Harper says. "I thought, 'You know, maybe this is worth another shot.'" That pivotal decision to continue fighting, supported by crucial mental health care, ultimately saved his life. He underwent intensive treatment at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, including a stem cell transplant, nuclear chemotherapy, and radiation, supported by a dedicated team of oncologists and nurses.
The Lifesaving Power of Integrated Care
Harper attributes his survival, both physically and mentally, to the hospital's specialized medical care and its psychosocial oncology team. "Cancer is not only a physical disease; it profoundly impacts all domains of life," explains Dr. Hales. "Psychosocial oncology services are necessary to support the whole person through cancer care, considering their practical and resource needs, their emotional state, their values, and their wider family and social network."
Dr. Hales emphasizes that these services help patients process intense emotions, address barriers like financial strain, and assist families in navigating the cancer journey. "To accompany patients and families as they face the challenges of cancer is an honour and privilege for our team," she says.
Creating a Legacy of Hope
Deeply grateful for the care that gave him a future, Harper decided to leave a gift in his Will to The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation. His motivation is clear: to prevent others from enduring similar suffering.
"To boil it down, I don't want other people to go through what I went through," Harper states. "If giving some financial support means research gets done and others don't have to face the same uncertainty, then that's what I want to do. I can't think of anything better to do with your money."
Miyo Yamashita, President and CEO of The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation, underscores the impact of such philanthropy. "Philanthropy, including legacy gifts, is a meaningful way to help create a world free from the fear of cancer," Yamashita says. "By leaving a gift in your Will, you create a legacy of hope and possibility. Donor support is essential to fund life-changing discoveries, giving patients more moments to cherish with the people they love."
She notes that donor funding not only accelerates critical research but also directly supports programs that improve the quality of life for patients and caregivers by addressing the mental, emotional, and social effects of cancer.
Embracing a Second Chance with Gusto
Today, Harper continues to receive clear health results. While acknowledging his energy levels have shifted slightly, he is profoundly thankful for his second chance and is determined to live life to the fullest. His passions include:
- Traveling the world as a consultant
- Maintaining local hiking trails to give back to his community
- Singing in a choir and playing in a band that records in his home studio, nicknamed 'Abbey Road'
- Enjoying kayaking, snorkeling, and recently obtaining his scuba diving certification with his wife, Vicki Clare, herself a breast cancer survivor
Reflecting on his journey from the hospital corridors to exploring the ocean depths, Harper shares a poignant perspective from his kitchen overlooking Caledon's rolling hills. "It's a blessing, really," he says. "You know, it's such a difference between wandering the halls of The Princess Margaret and scuba diving in Belize." His story stands as a powerful testament to resilience, the critical importance of integrated cancer care, and the enduring impact of hope and generosity.
