In the fall of 2018, long-time Scarborough residents Charlie and Iris Chan were supposed to go on an amazing trip overseas. Instead, they found themselves on a different kind of journey – one that would see them fighting for Charlie’s life.

Charlie, now 74, worked as a TTC driver for 33 years. His wife Iris was a receptionist in a family doctor’s office before she retired. They met at a Chinese community centre several years ago, and have been devoted to each other ever since.

A few weeks before their trip, Charlie went to see his family doctor. Charlie is diabetic, so he has to get his blood checked every three months. Since it was almost time for Charlie’s next blood test, his doctor wanted to ensure everything was OK before Charlie left. They’d soon learn it wasn’t.

Charlie’s hemoglobin count was very low – about half the normal range. In October 2018 – just one month before their trip – he went to the emergency department at Scarborough Health Network’s Birchmount Hospital. A blood test revealed his hemoglobin count had dropped even further. Charlie needed a transfusion right away. His condition was so serious that he had to be hospitalized for a week.

Charlie was diagnosed with multiple myeloma – a deadly type of blood cancer. Iris, who had once worked in a cancer research centre, knew how serious this was. Without hesitation, she was ready to be at his side through it all. And so were we at SHN.

While there is no cure for multiple myeloma, bone marrow transplants could prolong his life and give him more time with his children, grandchildren, friends, and his beloved Iris.

To prepare for the transplants (which had to be done at another hospital), Charlie received weekly chemotherapy at SHN for six months. Being able to access treatment close to home reduced travel and stress during such a challenging time.

In May 2019, Charlie had his first bone marrow transplant. Two months later, a second followed. Both procedures went well, and Charlie returned to SHN for follow-up care with our oncology team.

A Gift of Gratitude

Supporting their local hospital, setting a good example for their children and grandchildren, and giving back to the community have always been important to Charlie and Iris. They were already loyal donors to SHN Foundation, including annual donations and supporting the Chinese Radiothon. But after Charlie’s exceptional care, they decided to do something more.

“This hospital really saved my husband’s life,” says Iris.

Now, Charlie and Iris have chosen to leave a gift to SHN Foundation in their Will — a legacy that will ensure Scarborough families continue to receive the same compassionate care in the future.

“Our giving is another way we can say thank you and show our appreciation to Charlie’s healthcare team at SHN,” says Iris.

The Chans hope their story inspires others to consider legacy giving as a way of supporting the hospitals that care for our community.

To learn more about making a legacy gift to SHN Foundation, visit our  Gifts in Your Will page or contact Verna Chen at vchen@shn.ca.