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Charlie Ward and his wife were blindsided by his 2002 diagnosis of prostate cancer. There was a family history of the disease, and he’d been getting regular check-ups, so it came as quite a shock. First he was angry. Then he was in denial. And finally, Charlie, his wife and three grown sons pulled together as a family, accepted what was happening, and set out to face the journey with hope and courage. It wouldn’t be easy.
Charlie’s prostate cancer required 13 trips to St. John’s. Sometimes his wife came with him and sometimes he went alone. Physically, he felt fine but mentally, the travel was very stressful. “When you’re out there, you can get down,” Charlie says. “You know your family is at home and they’re worried about you. You spend a lot of time waiting. There is a feeling of uncertainty.” In total, Charlie says they have spent approximately $15,000 on treatment-related travel. In 2005, there was more bad news: Charlie was diagnosed with bowel cancer, and has made two more trips to St. John’s.
Still, Charlie remains optimistic. He is actively involved in the Prostate Cancer Support Group in Labrador City and gives presentations on cancer awareness. Early detection was key to his physical well-being. He firmly believes that the sense of community Daffodil Place will offer will go a long way to providing the emotional well-being that every cancer patient deserves.
