perspectives
Peace Arch News Tuesday, March 26, 2013
www.peacearchnews.com 11
…on the Semiahmoo Peninsula
Crescent Beach resident and family hosting fundraiser
Cancer patient still counting blessings Sarah Massah
W
Staff Reporter
hen Edwin Searcy was told further tests were needed following a prostate biopsy two years ago, he wasn’t concerned. The healthy father of four, 57 at the time, had no symptoms of being ill and was even reassured by his doctor that the results would most likely show a clean bill of health. However, when the results came in a month later, the Crescent Beach resident was hit with the news that he had multiple myeloma – a rare and incurable blood cancer that can lead to bone tumours, organ failure and a weakened immune system. “It wasn’t like something had been wrong with me and you’re wondering what it could be. It was out of nowhere. I’ve basically been diagnosed with an increasingly chronic, somewhat manageable but incurable cancer,” Searcy said. After the diagnosis, Searcy had to face another obstacle: breaking the news to his family. “It was definitely a shock and it was hard to understand, because with this type of cancer, everyone’s case is so different,” Searcy’s daughter, Anneke, said. “We wanted to look for answers, but it’s hard to get any. That made it really hard, and knowing there was no cure for it.” In the two years since her father was Contributed photos diagnosed, Anneke said there have been Anneke Searcy (centre) and Sam Caviglia are planning a fundraiser for April 6 to raise many ups and downs –including a stem-cell money in support of her father, Edwin (left) who was diagnosed with multiple myeloma. transplant that failed to put the cancer in The event will feature music from local artists including the Sumner Brothers (below). remission. But Searcy, a former Crescent Hospital Foundations’ hematology clinical United Church minister, credits researchers cancer finds a way around them. So when those drugs are proven not to work trials unit at VGH, which enables patients with developing medication and methods anymore, you go to the frontline to try to receive promising new drugs in order to to treat and manage the disease. other drugs,” Searcy said. “You’re basically assist research into multiple myeloma and Through chemotherapy and drug other related blood cancers. treatments, Searcy – who is now minister of a guinea pig. You have the benefit of accessing a drug that can help you, but “The whole process from being diagnosed University Hill Congregation of the United there is more of a risk. to now, it leaves you feeling a little bit Church in Vancouver – has been able to “I’m benefitting from people who tested shattered,” Anneke said. “But this seemed live his life almost as he did before, with the the drugs I use now, so it’s kind very fitting, as my dad was finishing up exception of medical visits and ❝The whole of like a team effort. It’s patients, with a drug and about to start clinical trials, checkups. process from families, doctors and researchers, to do a fundraiser to support him.” “The good news of this story is The fundraiser is set for April 6 at Elgin that for the first time in history, being diagnosed to all working in concert around Hall, and will include live music from really, they’ve been figuring out now, it leaves you the world.” With Searcy to soon undergo popular Peninsula performers – including how to treat this disease,” Searcy feeling a little bit clinical trials, Anneke wanted to the Sumner Brothers, Phil Dickson and said. shattered.❞ find a way to support her father CavigliaMillerWangWilliams Band – a silent Searcy also noted that two new and others going through the auction and barbecue. Initially the goal was Anneke Searcy drugs have been approved in the same situation. to raise $5,000, but after a donation page United States and will be making The 25-year-old South Surrey resident was set up with help from VGH staff, the their way to Canada within the next year or fundraiser has already brought in $4,700. so. As well, a number of drugs are being put – who was adopted as a baby from Korea in 1988 – and her friend, local musician “You sort of wonder what would happen through clinical trials, with patients testing Sam Caviglia, have organized a fundraiser if I was diagnosed with an incurable cancer, out the effectiveness and side effects. for Vancouver General Hospital and UBC and then you are. You kind of have to live “Eventually some drugs wear off, and A Toyota Certified Used Vehicle will provide you with unrivaled peace of mind and years of satisfaction. Program highlights: • Min. 12 month/20,000 km Powertrain and Roadside Assistance coverage • Warranty honoured at over 1,500 Toyota dealers in Canada and the U.S. • Zero deductible • Extensive mechanical and appearance reconditioning process • 7 days/1,500 km exchange privilege* • First oil/filter change at no charge** • Membership in Club Toyota
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with the shock for a while, but eventually it just becomes part of your life,” Searcy said. “In a way, it just gives you the opportunity to enjoy the blessing of all the people around you who care about you.” For tickets ($20), call or email Anneke at 778-891-9664 or anneke05@hotmail.com To donate online, visit http://tinyurl.com/ myleomafundraiser
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