“I Hope to Make it to 100”: A Legacy Fuelled by Gratitude

“I wake up every morning and thank the Lord to be alive again,” says Ron Roy, 80, from his home in Kelowna. “I hope to make it to 100. My grandmother made it to one month shy of her 100th birthday.”

Cancer has deeply affected many of the people closest to Ron — his father, siblings, in-laws and close friends. He’s faced two diagnoses of his own: prostate cancer in 2011 and lung cancer in 2022. But through it all, Ron has held fast to his belief in the power of research, innovation — and the people behind it.

“Technology saved my life, twice,” he says. “And I want to see it keep saving lives long after I’m gone.”

That’s why Ron is leaving a gift to the BC Cancer Foundation in his will.

A New Path in Prostate Cancer Care

In 2012, Ron became one of the earliest patients to undergo brachytherapy at BC Cancer – Kelowna, a relatively new prostate cancer treatment at the time, pioneered by Dr. Juanita Crook. Instead of invasive surgery, he received 88 tiny radioactive seeds, implanted in a procedure that left him with no visible side effects and required no hospital stay. “I didn’t even know they’d done anything,” he laughs.

Empowered by donor support, Dr. Crook has developed BC Cancer – Kelowna into a global leader in brachytherapy, with clinicians and researchers from around the world coming to train under her.

Within months of Ron’s procedure, his cancer was undetectable. For the next decade, he participated in a study group led by Dr. Crook, proudly contributing to the advancement of care for others.

Ron’s Second Diagnosis — and Swift Recovery

Years later, a persistent cough — initially believed to be COVID-19 — led to another diagnosis: this time, a tumour in his lung. Ron underwent a minimally invasive video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) lobectomy to remove the lower right lobe of his lung.

“They made a small incision, and three days later I was back home,” he recalls.

Dr. Barbara Campling recommended chemotherapy after pathology found cancer in a lymph node on his lung. Ron completed three rounds with minimal side effects — and his scans have remained clear ever since. “I beat it again!”

A Legacy of Gratitude and Purpose

Ron’s resilience is rooted in a life full of meaningful experiences. His career in the oil industry took him around the world — from Colombia to South Korea — including a stint travelling with Prime Minister Jean Chrétien as part of a Team Canada trade mission. Along the way, he introduced groundbreaking technologies and forged deep connections.

But his most enduring partnership has been with his beloved wife, Noella. They met at 14, married at 18, and have now shared over 60 years together, raising three children and enjoying a well-earned retirement in Kelowna.

“I’ve had an incredible life,” Ron reflects. “And I want to give back — to support the research that helped me and might one day lead to a cure.”

By including the BC Cancer Foundation in his estate plans, Ron is helping to ensure that future generations will benefit from the same breakthroughs that saved his life — not once, but twice.

“Cancer is a terrible thing that can hit anybody,” he says. “But research is what gives us hope. That’s why I’m doing what I can.”