Baljit Dhillon: A Legacy of Gratitude and Giving

Gratitude and positivity have been cornerstones of Baljit Dhillon’s life — qualities that shone even while facing colon cancer. From the first physician who identified something wrong to the compassionate care from BC Cancer medical oncologist Dr. Jon Loree, Baljit’s journey has been one marked by optimism and trust in his care team.

Routine testing uncovered low blood counts, combined with uncharacteristic weakness, which led Baljit to a colonoscopy that revealed a tumour in February 2022. It was a shock for the healthy, active 73-year-old, but he was optimistic and quickly underwent surgery followed by chemotherapy.

“Everything was going so smoothly at first,” Baljit says on his recovery. “I didn’t feel tired at all.” He happily returned to his daily routine, including regular trips to the gym and cherished walks with Jagir, his beloved wife, who was his constant caregiver throughout treatment.

His unwavering faith, instilled by his parents who also faced cancer, reinforced his belief in the power of will. “There are ups and downs,” he reflects, “but our willpower is very strong and can help us overcome many challenges.”

This perspective helped Baljit through a difficult period. During treatment, he faced a rare and serious complication that led to a five-day hospitalization.

Despite the setback, Baljit’s spirits remained high. By the summer of 2023, his scans were clear, and his health was back to normal. He even gained back the 35 pounds he lost during treatment.

“I was having scans every three months. Dr. Loree called this August right before the long weekend to share the good news that not only were my latest scans still clear, but I would be moving to scans every six months. He called a week early so I could enjoy the long weekend.”

“It’s a privilege to be able to share good news with patients like Baljit, and we’re fortunate to be having more and more of those conversations,” says Dr. Loree. “The advancements in treatment and the personalized care we can now offer are deeply influenced by donor support from the BC Cancer Foundation.”

Baljit says this anecdote is as a hallmark of the care he has experienced not only in his own journey with BC Cancer, but with his parents as well.

His mother underwent treatment for ovarian cancer for four and a half years under the care of BC Cancer’s Dr. Anna Tinker, while his father faced prostate and bone cancer. Their strength and willpower inspired Baljit. He remembers his father as resolutely independent even during difficult treatments, and his mother as “the most will-powered lady” he ever knew.

“My mother was in her 80s and needed two major surgeries. I remember the surgeon cautioning she had a 95% chance of not making it. I told my mother this and she just laughed saying, ‘You know your mother. I’m going to make it.’ And she did.”

Giving Back with Gratitude

“We are lucky to have the system and the people we have,” says Baljit. “It’s our duty to give back so that other people who come after us can benefit too.”

The Dhillon family have always been committed to supporting their communities. Before his father passed, he asked Baljit to keep the BC Cancer Foundation in his charities. Baljit kept this promise and delivers a cheque to the Foundation every three months with what he has saved.

While writing his will in 2017, he saw another opportunity to support the Foundation. “BC Cancer took such good care of my family. I decided that half of my assets will go to BC Cancer Foundation.” The importance of this gift was reaffirmed after his own diagnosis.

His gift will help fuel breakthroughs and fund the kind of care that has meant so much to him and his loved ones. As he continues to enjoy his own good health, Baljit’s planned gift is a testament to his belief that even when life is challenging, positivity, faith and giving back can make all the difference.